2023-06-24 04:00:00
After the fire that ravaged the Hautes Fagnes last May, we returned to the site to take the measure of the damage, find the firefighters who fought against the flames. As you will see, with the approach of the summer holidays, global warming and mass tourism are threatening this unique nature in Belgium.
In the immensity of the Hautes Fagnes, the landscapes hide a great fragility. The threats are many. The latest fire to date has ravaged more than 150 hectares. For 3 days, firefighters fought the flames, guided by civil protection drones.
A fire most often starts by carelessness. Fighting against incivility is the mission of forest rangers. “We have a cigarette butt. We take it, we throw it away. For the same price, it is not on the path but nearby in the undergrowth”, emphasizes Emmanuel Lemaire, forest ranger in the nature and forests department.
Red flag when the fire risk is too high
On board their 4/4, he multiplies the interventions with his colleague along this nature reserve of 5,400 hectares, the equivalent of 7,500 football fields. Within seconds, two hikers are spotted. “We have people who are in front of the device when it is clear”observes the ranger through his binoculars.
The red flag is hoisted. This means that it is forbidden to enter the area. The risk of fire is too high there. “Besides passing and circulating in a nature reserve with a red flag, it’s 250 euros per person, it’s tough”warns Emmanuel.
Our rangers warn Monique and Jean-Louis. Seasoned walkers, aware of the danger. “Speaking of fire, I see that there are people who still make fire”underlines the hiker.
In summer, the bivouacs are more and more numerous. Each week, a fire outbreak is spotted. Hikers are therefore asked not to stray from the marked paths.
People come to pick ultra-protected species on a recurring basis
At an altitude of nearly 700m, unsuspected places remain accessible, such as a protected meadow which is home to thousands of exceptional plants. Some are threatened by amateur photographers or unscrupulous tourists who have come to trample or pick flora unique to Belgium. This is the case of arnica, a mountain plant known for its medicinal properties. “We can see repeatedly that every year people come to pick ultra-protected species”, deplores François Janssen, forest ranger in the nature and forests department.
Each year, we have on average one death in our Fagnes
Along the 5, 10 or 20 kilometer hikes, if you feel like it, come prepared with drinks, food, suitable shoes and a charged phone. “We still have people who get involved without realizing what they are getting into. And it’s only when it’s too late that you realize that it’s really dangerous. So we call the emergency services. Each year, we have on average one death in our Fagnes”warns François Janssen.
The Hautes Fagnes welcome 350,000 nature lovers every year.
Hautes Fagnes nature fire tourists hikers large format
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