Hoge Venen nature reserve suffers massive wildfire

A massive wildfire in the Hoge Venen nature reserve destroyed approximately 3,000 hectares of land during the summer of 2026. The blaze, which occurred during one of the warmest summers on record in Europe, likely originated from a spark caused by a mowing machine operated by the Walloon government. While officials stated the mowing was intended to promote biodiversity, the intervention inadvertently contributed to the destruction.

The fire led to the evacuation of residents in nearby villages, such as Jalhay, and has left a lasting emotional impact on the local community. Local leaders and nature guides have expressed profound grief and anger over the loss of the landscape, a phenomenon described by philosophers as ‘solastalgia’—the distress caused by environmental change.