EU deploys aircraft to Belgium's largest wildfire on record

Belgium is battling its largest wildfire on record in the High Fens nature reserve, a blaze that has scorched 3,000 hectares and is advancing towards the German border. Hundreds of residents have been evacuated from two villages as authorities work to control the fire, which has been active since Friday. The European Union has activated its Civil Protection Mechanism, deploying aircraft from various member states, including Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Sweden, with potential support from Germany and Norway. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed gratitude for the international assistance. This wildfire is occurring amidst a summer of intense heatwaves and drought across Europe, which has led to significant wildfires in other countries like Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, and Spain. The High Fens, known for its peatlands and pine forests, was also devastated by wildfires in 1911.