Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Wildfires in Europe Expose Buried World War Munitions
Wildfires are burning in parts of Europe.
In Belgium’s eastern province of Liège, some buried wartime explosives may have started exploding because of the fires.
The explosives are from World War I and World War II.
Officials reported a few scattered detonations.
Emergency workers have to be careful because more old munitions could be underground.
Firefighters are dealing with both the fire and this extra danger.
Authorities said the firefighters were not believed to be in immediate danger.
The situation shows that old explosives can still cause problems many years later.
Authorities in Belgium’s eastern province of Liège reported sporadic detonations in wildfire-affected areas.
Governor Hervé Jamar described the explosions as “a few sporadic detonations.”
Emergency services must consider the possibility of buried munitions while responding to the blaze.
The munitions are associated with World War I and World War II.
Authorities said firefighters were not believed to face immediate danger.
- Who
- Authorities, emergency services, firefighters, and Governor Hervé Jamar.
- What
- Sporadic detonations of buried World War I and World War II munitions were reported in areas affected by wildfire.
- When
- Recently; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Belgium’s eastern province of Liège.
- Why
- Wildfires affected areas containing buried wartime munitions, requiring emergency services to account for possible detonations.
- Location
- Belgium’s eastern province of Liège
- Reported detonations
- A few sporadic detonations
- Potential source
- Buried munitions from World War I and World War II
- Response
- Emergency services are accounting for possible munitions during wildfire operations
- Firefighter risk
- Authorities said firefighters were not believed to be in immediate danger