Belgium fireLuxembourg authorities issue recommendations to the public due to smoke and burning smell

RTL Today

An Interministerial assessment unit met on Sunday afternoon due to the ongoing fire in Belgium's High Fens, which has brought over visible smoke and a strong sense of burning to Luxembourg.

Update: 16.08.2026 20:11

To assess how the Belgium fire situation is developing and its potential consequences for Luxembourg, an Interministerial Assessment Unit comprised of the National Environment Agency, the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps, the Directorate of Health, the High Commission for National Protection and weather agency MeteoLux met on Sunday afternoon.

Luxembourg’s authorities are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the relevant partners and remain in contact with the Belgian authorities.

At this stage, no significant health impact on the population has been identified. However, exposure to smoke may irritate the respiratory tract and cause breathing difficulties, particularly among vulnerable individuals.

Developments in Luxembourg will depend, among other factors, on weather conditions and wind direction. According to current forecasts, winds are expected to gradually shift to come from the north starting this evening, which could change the way the smoke disperses and the areas affected.

Recommendations to the public

As a precaution, residents who notice smoke or are affected by the smell are advised to:

close the doors and windows of their homes;
limit their exposure to smoke as much as possible and avoid prolonged physical activity outdoors when the smell or smoke is particularly strong;
temporarily switch off ventilation or air-exchange systems that draw in outside air if these could bring smoke into the home;
pay particular attention to vulnerable people, especially babies and young children, older people, pregnant women, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions;
follow information and recommendations issued by the Luxembourg authorities through official channels.

Once the smell or presence of smoke has diminished, it is advisable to ventilate indoor spaces again, provided outdoor conditions allow. The nuisance may also occur intermittently depending on changes in wind conditions.

These recommendations are consistent with the precautionary measures communicated by the Belgian authorities in areas affected by the smoke.

Do not overload the emergency services

The authorities also stress that the smell of burning caused by smoke from the fire does not, in itself, justify calling the emergency services when there is no immediate danger.

However, if you see a fire, encounter a dangerous situation or find someone in distress, call 112 immediately.

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

To keep up to date with the latest information, you can consult the following websites:

emwelt.lu
infocrise.lu
LU-Alert
MeteoLux