Belgium's Largest Wildfire Threatens Germany, Triggers Explosive Hazards

The wildfire began in Belgium's Hautes Fagnes (Hoge Venen) nature reserve in mid-August 2026, during a period of intense heat and drought across Europe. According to Phys.org and AFP, the fire quickly became the largest in modern Belgian history, fueled by dry vegetation and strong winds.

Local firefighters were soon overwhelmed and received support from neighboring countries. Farmers joined the effort with their tractors, and water-bombing aircraft were deployed. The proximity to the German border raised immediate concerns for cross-border spread, especially as the flames moved through hard-to-reach areas of the reserve.

By August 16, the fire had grown rapidly, reaching 3,000 hectares and threatening to cross into Germany. The Times of India reported that firefighters from Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg were working together, while Dutch helicopters helped contain the advancing blaze.

German authorities ordered evacuations in Monschau and nearby towns as the flames approached, coming within 300 meters of homes according to DIE WELT. The smoke was visible from miles away, and air quality deteriorated in the region. Several outlets, including Proto Thema and in.gr, confirmed that parts of Monschau were evacuated as a precaution.

On August 17, rain brought some relief, aiding firefighting efforts and helping to contain the fire's spread. Reuters and Franceinfo noted that while the rain slowed the flames, the fire continued to burn in parts of the reserve. By this point, the area burned had reached nearly 30,000 acres according to Greek and international reports, though most Belgian and German sources cited 3,000 hectares as the main figure.

Despite the improved weather, the situation remained dangerous. nu.nl reported that the fire was not spreading further toward Germany, but still smoldered and grew in other parts of the reserve. Meanwhile, strong winds and changing weather continued to challenge firefighters, according to DN.se.

A serious new hazard emerged: wildfires detonated unexploded World War bombs and mines buried in forests and fields. The Independent reported on August 22 that emergency crews in Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands faced these explosions as the heat triggered old ordnance, complicating firefighting and endangering responders.

As of late August, the wildfire in Belgium's Hautes Fagnes has been largely contained, though hotspots remain. Rain and cooler temperatures have helped, but firefighting teams are still monitoring the area for reignition, especially with the risk of smoldering debris and shifting winds.

The incident has exposed a critical secondary risk: wildfires in Europe now threaten not only habitats and property but also trigger explosions from leftover wartime munitions. This has raised alarms among officials and experts, as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of such fires across the continent.

Authorities are now assessing the long-term risks posed by unexploded ordnance in fire-prone areas. There is growing pressure for European countries to map and clear old munitions as part of wildfire prevention. Meanwhile, meteorologists and fire officials are bracing for further heatwaves and dry spells that could ignite new blazes before the end of summer.