Drought-Driven Fire Bans in Walcourt, Belgium and Aumale, France

The governor of Belgium’s Province of Namur has extended a fire‑prevention decree for the Walcourt municipality until 18 August 2026. The order bans open‑flame activities such as barbecues, fireworks, lanterns and the use of thermal weed‑killers on public land, aiming to protect people, natural areas and emergency services during a period of high temperatures and severe dryness.

In the French commune of Aumale, Seine‑Maritime, the mayor issued a similar municipal order on 31 July 2026. It prohibits barbecues, braziers, grills and any naked‑flame cooking devices on public spaces, and bans fireworks and lanterns, especially during the Saint‑Guignolet celebrations at the end of August. The decree also advises residents to avoid open‑flame devices near dry vegetation on private property and to keep extinguishing means nearby. Both measures are responses to an ongoing drought and aim to prevent wildfires.