High Fens fire surpasses 2,000 hectares, residents evacuated

Herz — World Desk · 15 August 2026 at 19:24 · 30s summary · 2 min read

What we know

The fire broke out on August 14, 2026 in the middle of the day in the High Fens, in eastern Belgium. It spread rapidly overnight, according to Le Temps.

The burned area grew from 80 hectares on the evening of August 14 to 850 hectares, then to more than 2,000 hectares by early evening on August 15. An interim report had indicated 1,650 hectares.

By August 15, the fire remained uncontained. It was described as the largest in recent Belgian history.

A vast expanse of vegetation lay charred and a thick, yellowed smoke cloud persisted. The extremely rugged terrain complicated firefighting efforts.

Residents evacuated

The first residents of Sourbrodt and Bütgenbach received evacuation orders around 4 p.m. on August 15. Authorities feared the fire would reach homes.

A local gymnasium was made available to evacuated residents.

European reinforcements mobilized

Belgium activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, a system coordinating aid from participating countries during large-scale emergencies. It requested human and material reinforcements.

A Dutch helicopter was already participating in operations by August 15. Two additional helicopters and two Swedish water-bombing aircraft were expected by evening.

The additional aircraft were to become operational on August 16.

Many farmers also joined operations to assist firefighters. Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin described this mobilization as 'impressive.'

Rapid progression

1. August 14, 2026, midday
   The fire breaks out in the High Fens.
2. August 14, 2026, evening
   The burned area reaches 80 hectares.
3. August 15, 2026, around 4 p.m.
   The first residents of Sourbrodt and Bütgenbach receive evacuation orders.
4. August 15, 2026, early evening
   The burned area exceeds 2,000 hectares.