Due to dry weather, rising temperatures, and strengthening winds, the risk of fire in natural areas will be high in the province of Hainaut starting Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Preventive measures are therefore in effect until Thursday, October 1, 2026, inclusive.
Open-air fires are prohibited in fields, meadows, brushwood, embankments, gardens, and slag heaps. Smoking in forests is also forbidden, as is discarding cigarettes, burning objects, glass fragments, or other materials likely to cause a fire in or near vegetation. Sky lanterns are prohibited.
Fireworks are also banned, unless prior written authorization is obtained from the Bourgmestre, following a risk assessment by the Rescue Zone.
For agricultural, forestry, or gardening work that may produce sparks, extinguishing means must be available nearby, and affected areas must be monitored after work is completed.
Barbecues, braziers, and cooking devices remain authorized in private gardens and designated areas in forests, but under strict conditions: only for cooking food; for the strictly necessary time; not in contact with the ground; under constant adult supervision until completely extinguished; at a distance from any dry vegetation and combustible material; with extinguishing means immediately available. Embers and ashes must be completely extinguished before disposal.
These temporary measures apply to the entire province of Hainaut until October 1, 2026 at midnight, unless extended or subject to stricter municipal regulations. Everyone's caution is essential to prevent fires.
