Belgium counts on air support as record wildfire jumps in size

HELP FROM THE SKIES

Firefighters were counting heavily on aerial assistance to help bring the situation under control – with reinforcements from several European countries set to swing into action on Sunday.

Belgian federal police helicopters and Dutch aircraft were seen operating Sunday morning, repeatedly drawing water from a nearby lake.

Additional helicopters from the Czech Republic and Swedish water-bombing aircraft were due to become operational later in the day, under the European Union civil protection mechanism activated by Belgium.

Speaking to AFP on Saturday, European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib said Norway and Germany may also send additional aerial support.

“Thank you to our European partners for the assistance they are providing,” Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever wrote on X.

Authorities also praised local farmers, many of whom have made water tankers available to support firefighting operations.

Like much of Europe, Belgium has experienced a fresh spell of intense heat and drought in recent days.

Temperatures reached as high as 37°C in some parts of the country on Friday, creating conditions conducive to wildfire outbreaks.