Live satellite hotspots · source: NASA FIRMS
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Belgium sees far fewer and smaller wildfires than southern Europe, but nature fires are a genuine and sometimes fast-moving risk, especially outside the classic summer season. Rather than forest fires in the Mediterranean sense, the main danger comes from dry heathland, peat and coniferous plantations. The High Fens near Eupen is the best-known risk area, where the peat bog can dry out in spring and smoulder underground for weeks. Kalmthout heathland, Hoge Kempen National Park and military training areas in Limburg also burn on a fairly regular basis.
Unlike France or Spain, Belgium's highest risk period is typically March, April and May, when the previous year's vegetation is dead and dry while new growth has not yet emerged to keep the ground moist. This map shows every satellite-detected heat source over Belgium, updated automatically, so you can immediately see whether anything is happening near a planned walk in the Ardennes, the Kempen or the Hoge Venen nature reserve.
Hotspots come from the VIIRS instruments on NASA FIRMS satellites (NOAA-20, NOAA-21 and Suomi NPP) and are cross-checked against Copernicus EFFIS. A hotspot is a heat detection, not a confirmed fire: industrial sites, solar farms and permanent burners are filtered out automatically.
High Fens and the Eifel
The peat moorland around Baraque Michel, Botrange and the German border is the most fire-sensitive area in the Benelux. Peat fires can smoulder underground and reappear days later, and rangers fully close zones C and D of the reserve whenever the fire-risk code reaches orange or red.
Kalmthout heathland and the Kempen
Dry heather, drift sand and pine plantations make the Kempen heathlands prone to fast-spreading fires. Military training grounds such as Helchteren and Meeuwen see vegetation fires most years, often triggered by live-fire exercises during dry, windy spells.
The Ardennes
The densely wooded Ardennes, including areas around Saint-Hubert and the Hautes Fagnes fringes, generally stay damp longer than the Kempen but still see localised fires during prolonged dry spells or after careless outdoor burning, particularly in spring before the forest canopy closes.
Are there wildfires in Belgium right now?
This map shows every heat detection recorded over Belgium within the last 18 hours, from the High Fens and Ardennes to Kalmthout heathland and Limburg. Belgium's fires are usually small and localised, so an empty map near your route is normal; check Live refresh for the newest satellite pass.
When is Belgium's fire risk worst?
Counter-intuitively, the highest risk often falls in spring, particularly March to May, when dead vegetation from the previous year is dry and new growth has not yet returned moisture to the ground. Summer heatwaves can also raise risk in heathland and forest, but spring remains the classic danger period.
What should I do if a fire is near my campsite in the Ardennes or Kempen?
Call 112 straight away, follow instructions from local firefighters and site staff immediately, and move away from heathland or forest towards a road or open car park. Peat and heath fires can flare up again after appearing controlled, so do not return until officials confirm it is safe.
Are open fires and barbecues allowed in Belgium's nature areas?
Open fires are generally banned in and near forests and heathland year-round, and many nature reserves prohibit barbecues entirely, especially during dry, high-risk periods. Local municipalities can impose additional restrictions during droughts, so check signage at reserve entrances before lighting anything.
What is the emergency number in Belgium?
Dial 112 for police, ambulance or fire brigade anywhere in Belgium, including the Ardennes, the High Fens and Kalmthout. The number works from any mobile phone, even without a Belgian SIM, and operators can typically assist in French, Dutch or English.
How current is this wildfire map for Belgium?
Hotspots come from VIIRS satellite passes over Belgium, refreshed automatically and updated multiple times a day. Because Belgian fires are typically small, even minor detections are shown; anything older than 18 hours is marked as no longer active. Use Live refresh for the most recent data.
How do I see if a wildfire is close to my campsite or holiday address in Belgium?
Use the location finder on this map: type your destination, village or campsite name, or tap "Use my location". The map instantly shows the distance in kilometres to the nearest active hotspot, and you can switch on alerts for fires within 5 to 100 km. Every search gets its own link, so you can share the situation around your own address with family or fellow travellers.