Story perspectives

Belgium Evacuates 600 as Biggest Wildfire Spreads

8/18/2026

Summary

Belgium Battles Wildfire

Belgium is fighting its biggest wildfire, which has burned 3,000 hectares in the High Fens near the German border.
Around 500 firefighters and aircraft from several European countries are deployed.
Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said he was shocked by fire’s speed and extent.
Authorities evacuated 600 residents from Butgenbach and Waimes, opened a gymnasium, and reported Monschau warned of evacuation but does not expect the fire to cross the border.

Summary

Croatia arrests

Croatian authorities arrested four people suspected of deliberately igniting up to ten fires around Zadar on Aug. 14-15.
Greek police detained an 80-year-old man in Kavala on arson charges, part of 302 fire-related arrests in Greece since Jan. 1, including 31 for deliberate arson.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a €12 million aid package for the Gironde and Landes regions to rebuild homes and support businesses hit by recent wildfires.

Summary

Firefighters Fight Wildfire

Two residents were found dead in the village of Peristeria on Salamina after a rapidly spreading wildfire.
Approximately 260 firefighters, 15 ground teams, 10 aircraft and eight helicopters fought the twin blazes.
About 500 island residents, many of them elderly, were evacuated by sea.
Health Minister Adonis Georgiades said at least 10 people suffered burns or smoke-inhalation symptoms, with five taken to local hospitals.

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Belgium Battles Wildfire

Belgium is fighting its biggest wildfire, which has burned 3,000 hectares in the High Fens near the German border.
Around 500 firefighters and aircraft from several European countries are deployed.
Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said he was shocked by fire’s speed and extent.
Authorities evacuated 600 residents from Butgenbach and Waimes, opened a gymnasium, and reported Monschau warned of evacuation but does not expect the fire to cross the border.

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