High Fens roads reopen as authorities keep fire zone strictly closed

Updated 25 August 2026 — At 10:00 CEST on Tuesday, Walloon authorities reopened the N68, N672 and N676 around the High Fens

Place

High Fens

Protected plateau and nature area affected by the wildfire and continuing public-access ban.

Why it matters

Protected plateau and nature area affected by the wildfire and continuing public-access ban.

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Also mentioned with

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in Liège province

Place

Liège province

Province containing the affected area and communities around the fire zone.

Why it matters

Province containing the affected area and communities around the fire zone.

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, restoring traffic on three roads closed during the major wildfire. The Walloon government said access to the fire-affected fens remains strictly prohibited, despite the reopening of the roads.

Drivers can pass through the area, but they cannot stop or park near the fire perimeter and must observe a 50 km/h speed limit, according to the regional authorities. The government said the change also allows businesses whose activity was disrupted by the closures to operate normally again. Road access does not permit motorists, cyclists or walkers to enter adjoining forests, paths or nature reserves.

The Walloon government said the fire began near Baelen

Place

Baelen

Commune near which the wildfire began on 14 August 2026.

Why it matters

Commune near which the wildfire began on 14 August 2026.

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Also mentioned with

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at about 13:00 on 14 August and is now under control overall. Operations continue in the eastern and northern sectors, where inaccessible ground and fires smouldering beneath the surface are still producing localised smoke. Firefighters from across Belgium and Germany

Place

Germany

Neighbouring country bordering the wider High Fens area and relevant to cross-border travel.

Why it matters

Neighbouring country bordering the wider High Fens area and relevant to cross-border travel.

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Also mentioned with

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, the Civil Protection service, the military, police and the Department of Nature and Forests have taken part in the response.

The continuing exclusion order covers affected or restricted forests in the Verviers, Malmedy and Elsenborn districts. Authorities list unstable trees and branches, underground hot spots, smoke exposure and old wartime munitions exposed by the fire among the remaining hazards. In its French-language notice, Wallonia

Place

Wallonia

Belgian region whose authorities ordered the road reopening and continued safety restrictions.

Why it matters

Belgian region whose authorities ordered the road reopening and continued safety restrictions.

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stresses that access to the Fens “reste strictement interdit”. Drones are also banned because low-flying aircraft remain available for observation and water drops.

The reopening marks a practical improvement for residents, commuters and tourism businesses around Jalhay

Place

Jalhay

Commune whose residents and road users regain connections following the reopening.

Why it matters

Commune whose residents and road users regain connections following the reopening.

Related coverage

• Are the High Fens open after the wildfire — and where can visitors safely go?
• Walloon opposition challenges government over lessons from High Fens fire

Also mentioned with

High FensWalloniaLiège ProvinceBaelenWaimesEupenGermanyN68

, Baelen

Place

Baelen

Commune near which the wildfire began on 14 August 2026.

Why it matters

Commune near which the wildfire began on 14 August 2026.

Related coverage

• Are the High Fens open after the wildfire — and where can visitors safely go?
• Hautes Fagnes fire under control after burning around 3,000 hectares
• Hautes Fagnes fire shifts political debate from climate action to accountability
• Peat and pine plantations turned the High Fens fire into a national catastrophe
• Walloon opposition challenges government over lessons from High Fens fire
• High Fens fire contained as Belgium turns to a long ecological recovery

Also mentioned with

High FensWalloniaLiège ProvinceJalhayWaimesEupenGermanyN68

, Waimes

Place

Waimes

Commune affected by transport and visitor-access conditions around the High Fens.

Why it matters

Commune affected by transport and visitor-access conditions around the High Fens.

Related coverage

• Are the High Fens open after the wildfire — and where can visitors safely go?
• Walloon opposition challenges government over lessons from High Fens fire

Also mentioned with

High FensWalloniaLiège ProvinceBaelenJalhayEupenGermanyN68

and the German-speaking municipalities. It does not mark the end of the emergency. The regional government says environmental restoration will take years, including work on peatland rewetting, paths and damaged infrastructure.

Officials have not announced when the reserve itself will reopen, and the cause of the fire remains outside the confirmed information released with Tuesday’s mobility update. Visitors should follow roadside signs and the official access map rather than assume an open road means an open trail. Authorities will continue watching underground fire activity, smoke and water quality before easing the remaining restrictions.