Dilbeek (Eurotoday) – Extreme heat caused many fires in Flemish Brabant West. Fire crews tackled dozens, including major ones in Dilbeek and Halle, using drones, water tankers, and help from locals. Wouter and Jean-Philippe Jeanfils led efforts.
As VRT News reported, the fire department in the Flemish Brabant West zone has had a busy few days because extreme heat and long-lasting dry weather make grass and fields ignite more easily.
The brigade expected more emergency calls, so crews stayed on full alert and ended up handling dozens of outdoor fires across the region. One of the biggest incidents happened in Dilbeek, a municipality in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium, when a wide meadow burned.
Officials mentioned that the flames cover a large area and, when wind blows, they travel fast and can reach homes or other buildings. Firefighters aim first to stop the spread so that people and property stay safe. Their teams formed containment lines, used water tankers, and worked side by side to block the fire’s path.
“We did expect it and we are prepared for it,” says spokesman Wouter Jeanfils. “We always send extra water to such fires in tankers to get the fire under control quickly.”
How are drones helping firefighters battle blazes in Dilbeek and Halle?
The fire department is using drones to fight fires better. They use drones before and during fires to help them. Jean-Philippe Jeanfils said the drones give them a good view from above. This helps them see how the fire is spreading and where to focus.
He mentioned that the drones have special cameras that can see heat, which helps find spots that are still burning. This helps firefighters put out the fire completely and stop it from starting again.
According to the officials, it’s unknown exactly what started the fire in Dilbeek. Small things like a cigarette, a glass, or a spark from a barbecue can cause fires. The dry grass made the fire spread quickly because it had lots of fuel. The wind also helped the fire spread in many directions.
They mentioned that firefighters worked to stop the fire from reaching houses. They used water hoses to create a barrier. Drones with heat cameras helped find spots that were still burning. The firefighters put out these spots to stop the fire from starting again.
Another fire started about 15 kilometres away in Halle, in a forest. Fire trucks couldn’t get close because of the thick plants and narrow paths. A quad bike with a pump was used to assist someone. Water was drawn from a pond and sent through the forest by firefighters using the pump. By doing this, they were able to swiftly obtain water and put out the fire before it spread to the trees.
Officials mentioned that the ground and leaves are dry, so a small spark could start another fire. Extra firefighters and drones are ready, and they are working with farmers and foresters to put out any new fires quickly.
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