The wildfire that has scorched more than 2,700 hectares in Belgium's High Fagnes nature reserve is now circumscribed for the first time, after rain began falling across the fire zone on Tuesday morning.
The blaze remained neither fully controlled nor fixed as of the morning of 19 August, though returning precipitation is helping to slow the drought conditions that have fueled the flames. Rain and wind were also complicating aerial firefighting operations, as helicopters operating over the zone require visual flight conditions.
Heavier rain was expected by late afternoon and evening. The Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall across all Walloon provinces, Brussels, and Flemish Brabant through midnight, with an active frontal system crossing the country from west to east. Localised accumulations could reach 20 to 40 mm, driven by thunderstorm cells in the south.
The Federal Public Service Interior activated the 1722 helpline for non-urgent storm and water-damage assistance, urging residents to reserve the 112 emergency line for life-threatening situations.