More than 1,600 hectares of vegetation destroyed by fire in Belgium's High Fens
More than 1,600 hectares of vegetation have been destroyed in the fire affecting the High Fens (south east of Belgium) since Friday 14 August, the mayors of Baelen and Jalhay declared this Saturday afternoon. This is currently the largest disaster of its kind in Belgium.
Aerial reconnaissance carried out by rescue services has confirmed this figure. "Indeed, 1,600 hectares have burned, according to observations by firefighters who flew over the area," explains the mayor of Baelen, Nathalie Thönnissen, who is present this Saturday afternoon at the crisis centre in Vottem (Liège).
The fire site is difficult to access, and extinguishing it requires significant aerial resources, added the official, who hopes for the arrival of a helicopter from abroad to reinforce efforts.
Many Belgian firefighters from various rescue zones across the country are currently in the High Fens to combat the fire. They are supported by different services, such as Civil Protection and Defence. Reinforcements from Flanders and Germany have also arrived.
