BELGIUM is currently seeing its largest wildfire on record, causing hundreds to evacuate.
Shifting winds have even caused smoke to drift as far as France and Germany as well.
The fire first started on August 14 after temperatures reached 37C.
Here’s everything you need to know about the current situation and what to do if you are due to travel to Belgium:
Where are the wildfires in Belgium?
The wildfires in Belgium are currently concentrated in the High Fens nature reserve, which is in the Liege province in the eastern part of Belgium, close to the German border.
The reserve is Belgium’s largest nature protection.
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Currently, surrounding impacted areas include Waimes, Bütgenbach, Jalhay and Malmedy.
Some smoke and fire is also evident near the German border in the town of Monschau.
Currently, the wildfires have impacted around 7,400 acres, making it the largest wildfire in Belgium’s history.
In parts of Waimes and Bütgenbach, around 600 residents have been evacuated so far.
Is it safe to travel to Belgium right now?
Major tourist hubs such as Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp are entirely unaffected.
However, if you are planning or due to travel to the east of Belgium or the Ardennes region, you must exercise caution.
A recent rainfall and drop in temperature has helped to slow the fire spreading, but thick smoke has drifted widely and as far as eastern France.
Visitors and residents are currently being warned to not travel to the nature reserve, hiking trails or surrounding forests in eastern Liège.
Are flights still going to Belgium?
Flights are still operating as normal to Belgium.
The current fire zone is around 85 miles east of Brussels, and while the smoke has caused locals to evacuate it has not caused disruption to flights.
What if I have a holiday to Belgium booked?
As the Foreign Office has not warned against travel to Belgium, there are no special circumstances in place for holidaymakers to cancel their trip and receive a full refund.
Depending on what travel insurance you have, your policy might include natural disaster cover.
If so, your insurance policy should cover you for when you are unable to reach your holiday destination due to natural disasters, such as wildfires.
So it is worth checking your travel insurance policy.
It is also worth noting, that once in Belgium, open fires, disposable barbecues and wild camping outside official campsites are banned across Wallonian forests and nature reserves at the moment.
Can I cancel my trip?
If you want to cancel your trip or holiday, it is best to contact your airline and/or holiday provider.
Companies do not have an obligation to refund bookings unless Government advice changes.