A heath fire erupted today between Torenlaan and Zwartberg Airport in Genk, Belgium, consuming more than one hectare of land.

The fire, which began in a grass field, escalated into an adjacent forest fire before being brought under control by local firefighting units.

Firefighters from the East Limburg fire brigade responded promptly at approximately 1:30 PM, encountering flames that rapidly spread between trees, complicating suppression efforts.

Commander Wim Petit reported that it took approximately one hour to gain control over the fire, although crews remained on-site to extinguish remaining hotspots.

Conditions contributing to the fire included dry weather and winds that increased the risk of rekindling.

Despite the successful suppression of the main flames, firefighters continued to monitor the area due to these challenging conditions.

The civil authorities confirmed that access to Torenlaan remained open, and airport operations continued unaffected.

Alongside firefighting efforts, there is heightened concern about the region's environmental conditions.

The Zwartberg area has experienced prolonged drought, with the Belgian Royal Meteorological Institute noting a 30% decline in rainfall in 2023 compared to the average over the previous decade.

These conditions have historically paved the way for frequent heathland fires in the Limburg province, particularly during the dry summer months.

Statistics reveal that the East Limburg fire brigade responds to an average of 15 to 20 vegetation fires annually, most prevalent from April to September.

A notable fire in 2022 near Zwartberg burned 2.5 hectares before it was contained through coordinated efforts involving both ground crews and aerial defenses.

Research from the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) labels Limburg as a high-risk wildfire area, primarily due to its soil characteristics that impede water absorption.

Human activity is responsible for approximately 70% of wildfires in the region.

To mitigate risks, the city of Genk employs specialized firefighting units that use brush trucks and portable water tanks to address flare-ups swiftly.

Preventive measures include year-round fire bans in nature reserves and educational initiatives conducted by local governmental bodies.

Future reports from the Flemish Environment Agency suggest that extreme drought events are likely to increase, thereby elevating the potential for wildfires.

While past heathland fires in the area typically remain contained within five hectares, rapid response strategies are critical in preventing larger infernos.