Interministerial Assessment Unit: fire in the High Fens – stable situation and favourable outlook for Luxembourg (20.08.2026)

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Press release

The Interministerial Assessment Unit met again today to review developments regarding the fire in the High Fens (Hautes Fagnes) in Belgium and its potential consequences for Luxembourg.

The situation in Luxembourg continues to develop favourably. Particulate matter concentrations remain low and stable, and the weather forecasts for the coming days are favourable overall. Nevertheless, the authorities continue to closely monitor developments and air quality.

Developments in the weather situation

Wind forecasts, which are a determining factor in the transport of particulate matter towards Luxembourg, indicate that the wind will shift to a northerly direction during the course of Saturday. This airflow is expected to persist through Sunday. From Monday onwards, the wind is expected to shift to an easterly direction, a situation that should considerably reduce the transport of particulate matter towards Luxembourg and, consequently, its impact on air quality.

Air quality

PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter concentrations currently remain low and stable, with no indication of any significant deterioration in air quality. Nevertheless, they will continue to be closely monitored in order to rapidly detect any potential changes.

In order to strengthen monitoring in the north of the country, temporary and targeted measurement campaigns have been set up following the fire, with three additional PM10 and PM2.5 monitoring stations installed. The indicative results of these measurements, as well as the hourly values from the air quality monitoring network, are available on www.emwelt.lu, allowing changes in concentrations to be monitored more closely.

Favourable development confirmed

Based on all the information currently available, the situation in Luxembourg is considered favourable. However, if smoke or a smell of burning is noticed locally, the precautionary measures communicated previously may continue to be followed, in particular keeping doors and windows closed and limiting exposure to smoke.

The Luxembourg authorities continue to closely monitor the situation and how it may develop in Luxembourg. Any new information or recommendations will be communicated through official channels as necessary.

Further information

Participating authorities in the Interministerial Assessment Group

Environment Agency; Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA); Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS); Health Directorate; High Commission for National Protection (HCPN); Inspectorate of Labour and Mines (ITM); MeteoLux; Ministry of Education, Children and Youth; Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees.

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