Children from halted High Fens Kazou camp reunited with parents in Mechelen

Updated 18 August 2026 (CEST)

Children from a Kazou holiday camp in Ovifat returned safely to Mechelen on Tuesday, 18 August, after organisers ended the trip early because of the wildfire in the High Fens. Parents collected the children at the Nekkerhal, and no injuries were reported among the returning group, according to Het Laatste Nieuws.

The children had stayed in Ovifat for Kazou’s “Survival in Ovifat” programme. Kazou’s official 2026 schedule shows that the camp for nine- and ten-year-olds began on 14 August, was due to run until 21 August and used Mechelen as its departure and return point. The programme included outdoor survival activities, cooking in nature, archery and swimming.

The group’s return therefore came several days earlier than planned. Het Laatste Nieuws reported that the children had not directly experienced the fire and quoted participants saying they had not been afraid. The available reporting does not specify how close the group came to the affected area or provide a final public count of the children and supervisors on the returning bus.

The early return took place as emergency services continued dealing with a major fire that had burned through parts of the High Fens. RTBF reported that the blaze damaged sensitive heathland and peat habitats, while specialists warned that peat can continue smouldering below the surface after visible flames subside. Authorities have consequently treated access and activity in the area as a continuing safety issue.

Ending the camp removed the children and volunteer monitors from a region where fire conditions and emergency restrictions were changing. It also allowed parents to collect them through the transport arrangement already associated with the holiday in Mechelen. For families, the confirmed outcome is straightforward: the children are home and safe, although their holiday ended early.

Wildfire precautions are familiar in the High Fens, where dry vegetation can allow flames to spread rapidly. The Walloon public administration uses warning levels and access restrictions to reduce that risk; its environmental service has previously stressed that restrictions protect both visitors and the vulnerable reserve.

Kazou has not publicly detailed through the sources reviewed whether families will receive compensation, alternative activities or another holiday. Further information is expected directly from the organisation if administrative arrangements change. Emergency authorities will separately determine when activities can safely resume in the affected High Fens area.