Wildfires in the High Fens Are Uncovering Hidden WWII Explosives

Dr. Annette Baumgartner · 2026-08-24

### A Fiery Wake-Up Call in Belgium's High Fens When wildfires tore through the High Fens (Hoge Venen) in eastern Belgium, they didn't just scorch the landscape. They also exposed something far more dangerous: grenades, shells, and other wartime ordnance buried since World War II. For local authorities and historians, it's a stark reminder that the past isn't always buried deep enough. The fires, which broke out during a dry spell, burned away thick layers of peat and vegetation. In doing so, they revealed metal objects that had been hidden for nearly 80 years. Bomb disposal teams were quickly called in. They've been combing the charred ground ever since. ### Why the High Fens Was a Wartime Hotspot During the winter of 1944-1945, the High Fens became a critical battleground. The area was part of the Ardennes Offensive—what we now call the Battle of the Bulge. American and German forces clashed in brutal conditions. The frozen, marshy terrain made every advance a struggle. After the fighting ended, retreating troops left behind a deadly legacy. Unexploded shells, grenades, and even landmines littered the region. Over time, nature reclaimed the land. Peat moss grew over the debris. Trees took root. The war seemed to disappear. But the fires proved otherwise. They peeled back that natural cover like a blanket, exposing the rusted remains of conflict. ### The Dangers of Unexploded Ordnance Unexploded ordnance (UXO) is not a historical curiosity. It's a live threat. Even after decades, these devices can detonate if disturbed. The heat from a wildfire can also trigger explosions. That's why firefighters and bomb squads now work side by side in the High Fens. > "We are not just fighting fires," one Belgian bomb disposal expert told local media. "We are fighting a war that never really ended." That quote captures the eerie reality. For the people of Belgium, World War II isn't just a chapter in a textbook. It's a physical presence. Farmers still plow up shells. Construction crews still halt work when they hit something metallic. And now, climate change is adding a new twist. ### Climate Change Meets History Hotter, drier summers are making wildfires more frequent in the High Fens. Each fire risks uncovering more ordnance. That creates a vicious cycle: fires expose explosives, which then make firefighting more dangerous, which leads to larger burns. In 2020 and 2021, Belgium experienced record heat. The High Fens, usually one of the wettest places in the country, dried out. Peat, which is highly flammable, became a tinderbox. When it burns, it burns deep and slow. That's exactly what unearths buried metal. ### What's Being Done Belgian authorities have ramped up their response. They've mapped high-risk zones. They've trained firefighters to recognize UXO. And they've set up hotlines for residents who spot suspicious objects. But the challenge is enormous. The High Fens covers over 11,000 acres. Much of it is remote and difficult to access. Bomb disposal teams can only clear areas after fires are out. And each fire season brings new risks. - **Mapping:** Detailed surveys using drones and metal detectors to find hotspots. - **Public awareness:** Signs and social media campaigns warning hikers not to touch metal debris. - **International cooperation:** Sharing best practices with Germany and other neighbors facing similar issues. ### A Living Memory of 1944-1945 For Belgians, the 75th anniversary of the liberation in 2019-2020 was a time of reflection. But the fires in the High Fens show that the war is still with us. Not just in memory, but in the soil. Historians point out that this isn't unique to Belgium. From France to Russia, wildfires are revealing the debris of 20th-century conflicts. But in the High Fens, the scale is particularly striking. The area saw some of the fiercest fighting of the Ardennes Offensive. Thousands of soldiers died there. Their sacrifices are honored. But the leftover weapons continue to endanger lives. ### What Visitors Need to Know The High Fens is a beautiful nature reserve. It's popular with hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. If you plan to visit, here are a few tips: - Stick to marked trails. Don't wander into burned areas. - If you see metal objects that look like shells or grenades, don't touch them. Mark the spot and call emergency services. - Be aware that fires can still smolder underground. Report any smoke or heat. - Respect closures. Bomb disposal operations are not a spectator sport. The Belgian government is working to make the area safer. But the process is slow and painstaking. Each shell must be carefully removed and destroyed. It's a job that will likely continue for decades. ### The Future of Remembrance As Belgium prepares for future anniversaries, the High Fens fires offer a lesson. Remembrance isn't just about ceremonies and monuments. It's about dealing with the physical remnants of war. It's about protecting people from a conflict that ended long ago but still claims victims. So next time you hear about wildfires in Belgium, remember: they're not just burning trees. They're burning away the cover on a hidden battlefield. And what they reveal is a reminder that peace, however precious, can be fragile. For now, bomb squads and firefighters continue their work. They're the unsung heroes of a war that never truly ended. And they're making sure that the High Fens can be safe for generations to come.