India, Aug. 17 -- Belgium's King Philippe recently paid an unexpected visit to the zones affected by the blaze that torched nearly 1600 hectares. The fire broke out in the High Fens nature reserve last week.

King Philippe Visits Area Affected by High Fens Wildfire

Belgium's King Philippe interrupted his summer vacation on August 17, 2026, to check in with the emergency crews battling the ongoing Hautes Fagnes (High Fens) wildfire. Bypassing multiple protocols, the 66-year-old monarch travelled directly to Sourbrodt, one of the villages directly affected by the blaze.

The King personally thanked the more than 500 emergency responders, local volunteers, and military personnel who have been working around the clock to contain the blaze. I...