Fire in the High Fens: Perimeter of blaze now under control, King Baudouin Foundation launches solidarity fund

The entire perimeter of the wildfire raging in the High Fens nature reserve since Friday is now under control by firefighters, reports RTBF.

The blaze that destroyed around 3,000 hectares of vegetation could now be attacked from all sides, explained Didier Berghmans of the Vesdre, Hoëgne and Plateau fire department.

It was the northeast front close to the German border that had proved difficult to control. “It's within that perimeter that we managed to seal it off. We don't have a risk of it spreading at the moment, but we will obviously be monitoring the weather,” he added.

There was further good news for the massive operation that has been fighting the wildfire for the past six days.

Helicopters and seaplanes deployed by EU countries were able to resume their firefighting efforts from the air after being grounded due to poor weather conditions. They will continue their activities until Sunday. Drones were in action on Thursday morning to identity priority areas for their efforts.

Although residents of Sourbrodt have returned to their homes after evacuating over the weekend, inhabitants of the hamlets of Butgenbach are still waiting for the green light due to persistent smoke on the ground.

Between 200 and 250 firefighters remain in action in the fenland area, which includes two active peat bogs. As the fire will continue to smoulder underground there is a risk of flare-ups. One of the main challenges for both mobile units and firefighters on foot has been accessing the extensive nature reserve.

Solidarity action

In addition to local initiatives, the King Baudouin Foundation (KBF) has launched a Solidarity Fund with an online donation platform.

“The funds raised will help support future ecological restoration efforts in this natural heritage area and the rehabilitation of infrastructure, in collaboration with partner organisations that have long been active in the fields of environment and biodiversity,” the philanthropy institution said in a statement.

“When the High Fens burn, a part of our shared natural heritage is affected. Behind the devastated landscapes lie unique ecosystems that are essential to biodiversity and to the environmental balance of our country,” said KBF chief executive Brieuc Van Damme.

“We want to enable everyone to contribute in a tangible way to the restoration of this exceptional natural heritage, for today and for future generations,” he added.

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