World

Wildfires across Europe: evacuations, deaths and thousands of hectares burned

Herz — World Desk · 17 August 2026 at 04:40 · 30s summary · 3 min read

The essentials

Multiple wildfires are mobilizing emergency services across Europe, with evacuations, injuries and three deaths reported in Spain and Greece. According to Le Temps, hundreds of firefighters are battling several fires in northern Portugal, where five have been injured. Approximately 3,000 hectares have burned in the High Fens, between Belgium and Germany. Residents have also been evacuated in France, Croatia and on Greek islands.

Five firefighters were injured in northern Portugal
Approximately 3,000 hectares burned in the High Fens
Evacuations ordered in Belgium and Germany
Three deaths reported in Spain and Greece
Active fires remain in France, Spain and Greece

What we know

Hundreds of firefighters were mobilized this weekend against multiple fires in northern Portugal. Operations particularly involved Torre de Moncorvo, Boticas, Chaves and Dine, near the Spanish border.

Five firefighters were injured Saturday at Dine.

In the High Fens, approximately 3,000 hectares burned between Friday and Sunday morning. Lost in the Jungle reports that some 600 residents were ordered to evacuate Saturday, particularly in Sourbrodt and Bütgenbach.

More than 250 firefighters and rescue personnel were deployed with two Swedish aircraft and four helicopters. Belgium requested European reinforcements, joined by Dutch and Swedish aircraft.

Rugged terrain and difficult access to this woodland reserve complicated operations. However, the two fronts advancing toward Jalhay and Monschau were controlled by Sunday afternoon.

No homes had been damaged in Belgium. The cause of the fire remained unknown.

Evacuation of two streets in Monschau

The German city of Monschau, with 12,000 residents, ordered the immediate evacuation of two streets Sunday evening. The decision responded to the progression of the fire from Belgium, smoke, and weather forecasts.

The city hall published its statement around 8:30 p.m. GMT. Alerts were sent and a school temporarily hosted the evacuees.

Fire progression in the High Fens

August 14, 2026, midday
The fire breaks out in the High Fens woodland nature reserve.
August 15, 2026
The fire had spread 1,650 hectares in less than 24 hours.
August 15, 2026
The burned area exceeded 2,000 hectares and the fire was not contained.
Sunday morning
The toll reached approximately 3,000 hectares burned since Friday.
The fronts advancing toward Jalhay and Monschau were controlled.