NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 17, 2026Miami-Dade
Wildfires burn across Europe as officials battle blazes in Belgium, Greece, France, and Croatia
Emergency crews are working to contain major wildfires across Europe, including a persistent underground peat fire in Belgium and new blazes near Athens, Greece. Governments are responding with international firefighting aid, evacuation orders, and financial recovery packages for affected regions.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main FeedWhy It Matters
Residents in affected European regions face immediate threats to property and safety, while governments are deploying significant emergency resources and financial aid to manage the fires and support recovery.
Key Facts
- A wildfire in Belgium's Liège province has burned approximately 30 square kilometers and remains out of control.
- The Belgian fire is burning in peaty soil, which experts warn could cause it to smolder underground for months.
- France is providing a 12 million-euro ($13.9 million) aid package to the Gironde and Landes regions for recovery.
- In Greece, 302 fire-related arrests have been made since January 1, including 31 for arson and 271 for negligence.
- Four people were arrested in Croatia on suspicion of deliberately starting 10 fires near Zadar.
- Approximately 600 residents were evacuated in France last week due to wildfires in the Landes region.
- 183 homes were destroyed in Le Porge, France, during a massive blaze last month.
- International firefighting assistance from Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands is supporting Belgian efforts.
Who's Mentioned
personNicolas Yernaux“Spokesperson for Wallonia regional public services”personSébastien Lecornu“French Prime Minister”personHugues Guyvot“Veterinarian involved in animal rescue”personYves Pieper“Forest ranger”locationWallonia“Region in Belgium affected by wildfires”locationZadar“Coastal town in Croatia where arson suspects were arrested”personKing Philippe“Visited emergency services in Belgium”