The largest wildfire in modern Belgian history led to the evacuation of 600 people. Authorities requested assistance from the EU.

A vegetation fire broke out on Friday in Belgium, rapidly spreading in areas covered by peat bogs and pine forests, near the border with Germany. The changing winds and dense smoke led to the preventive evacuation of approximately 600 people from the localities of Waimes, Sourbrodt, and Buetgenbach, and tourists were advised to leave the region.

The Belgian Minister of the Interior, Bernard Quintin, expressed surprise at the speed of the fire's spread.

Firefighting operations are complicated by the difficult terrain, and aerial intervention has become essential.

Belgium has activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, receiving assistance from the Czech Republic, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

The fire is occurring in the context of extreme temperatures, reaching 37 degrees Celsius, and scientists emphasize the impact of climate change on the frequency of fires.

European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib warned that fires are spreading to northern latitudes, highlighting an alarming trend in Europe, where over 430,000 hectares have been affected by fires this year.