Story perspectives

Belgium Deploys EU Helicopters as High Fens Fire Grows

8/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Belgium received three EU helicopters and two water-bomber aircraft on August 15 after requesting emergency reinforcements.
The High Fens fire had burned 3,000 ha by the morning of August 16, up from 2,700 ha on August 15.
Defense Minister Theo Francken ordered evacuations of villages, a children’s camp and tourists.
EU Crisis Commissioner Hadja Lahbib said the helicopters and water-bombers arrived from the Czech Republic, Sweden and the Netherlands.

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Story summary

Belgium received three EU helicopters and two water-bomber aircraft on August 15 after requesting emergency reinforcements.
The High Fens fire had burned 3,000 ha by the morning of August 16, up from 2,700 ha on August 15.
Defense Minister Theo Francken ordered evacuations of villages, a children’s camp and tourists.
EU Crisis Commissioner Hadja Lahbib said the helicopters and water-bombers arrived from the Czech Republic, Sweden and the Netherlands.