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NaturePolitics135 words1 min read

Historic Fire in Belgium's Hautes Fagnes Will Take Weeks to Control

Map of belgium showing destruction in 1916
Photo by Europeana on Unsplash
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Listen to the story

There is a big fire in the Hautes Fagnes. This is a nature area in Belgium.

The fire is very big. People call it a historic fire. This means it is one of the biggest ever there.

Firefighters are working hard. They say the work will take more weeks. One fire truck had an accident during the work.

The fire is near the border with Germany. Some German people had to leave their homes. This is because the fire is close to them.

The fire also makes bad air. This is called pollution. At night, the pollution was very bad. Doctors say vulnerable people must be careful. This means old people, children, and sick people.

The fire is not finished. Firefighters from Belgium are still working. They want to stop the fire completely.

Vocabulary6 words

fire
when things burn; very hot and dangerous
historic
very important because it is big or new
firefighters
people whose job is to stop fires
weeks
a long time, more than some days
pollution
bad, dirty air or water
vulnerable people
people who can be hurt more easily, like sick people

Quiz

1. Where is the fire happening?
2. How long will the firefighters' work take?
3. True or False: The fire caused bad air pollution at night.

Fill-in-the-blank listening

Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.

There is a big _____ in the Hautes Fagnes. This is a nature area in Belgium.

The fire is very big. People call it a _____ fire.

_____ are working hard. They say the work will take more _____.

One fire truck had an _____ during the work.

Some German people had to _____ their homes.

The fire also makes bad air. This is called _____.

At night, the pollution was very bad.

Doctors say _____ must be careful.

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