Belgium and Greece Battle Wildfires Amid Europe’s Sweltering Summer
Belgium faced a massive wildfire that continued to burn uncontrollably, with firefighters struggling against the inferno. In Greece, a fire erupted near the main airport in Athens before being swiftly contained.
The Belgian fire, located in the eastern High Fens region near the German border, has scorched approximately 30 square kilometers of land. Despite some containment efforts due to favorable winds, parts of the fire remained inaccessible to ground crews, according to officials.
Europe is experiencing extreme heat and dryness, attributed to climate change. King Philippe of Belgium visited the firefighting operations in the High Fens area, where blackened trees and smoldering ground marked the aftermath of the blaze.
Firefighters in Belgium received assistance from neighboring countries and local police drones, alongside farmers supplying water for the firefighting efforts. Despite overnight rain helping to control the fire, concerns remained about potential flare-ups in inaccessible areas.
In Greece, a deadly wildfire on the island of Salamina resulted in casualties and destruction. Additional fires broke out near Athens and in other locations, with swift responses from firefighting teams to contain the blazes. An 80-year-old man was arrested for alleged arson in a separate incident.
Meanwhile, in France, a fire in the Landes region was brought under control after days of battling the flames, allowing evacuated residents to return home. The French government announced financial aid to support affected regions.
In Croatia, arrests were made in connection with suspected arson cases near Zadar, a popular tourist destination. The suspects were apprehended following investigations into a series of fires that posed threats to lives and properties in the area.