Belgium's biggest wildfire on record heads towards Germany
More than 250 firefighters and emergency workers are battling the blaze, while EU aircraft and helicopters have been sent to support evacuations.
- A massive wildfire in eastern Belgium's High Fens nature reserve has scorched more than 27 square kilometers since breaking out Friday, with firefighters battling what media describe as one of the country's worst-ever wildfires.
- Unusually hot weather with temperatures reaching about 37 C fueled the fire's rapid spread through the High Fens' fragile peatlands, while authorities warned the region's rugged terrain prevents emergency services from tackling flames at close quarters.
- Authorities ordered 600 residents in Waimes and Buetgenbach to evacuate Saturday, while more than 250 emergency personnel, including Belgian and German firefighters, deployed with support from European Union helicopters and water bombers.
- A gymnasium in Malmedy opened to shelter evacuees, where the Belgian Red Cross provides food and rest. Officials warn the fire remains close to residential areas, though no homes were affected as of Sunday morning.
- The fire sits about 3 kilometers from the German border, where officials in Monschau remain on alert. European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib called the blaze the latest sign of "climate upheaval" affecting the continent.
220 Articles
220 Articles
The forest fire on the German-Belgian border continues to employ the forces. Currently, the fire brigade in Monschau is relaxed, but a change of wind direction is expected. More in the live ticker.
Rain has delayed the spread of the largest forest fire in Belgium's history on Monday. According to the authorities, the fire in the nature reserve Hohes Venn is partly under control, but the extinguishing work is likely to take a long time.
A historic fire near the German border puts pressure on Belgium's forces. Rain could bring relief. The Belgian king gets an impression on the spot.
Belgium Struggles With Largest Wildfire Amid Deadly Blazes In Europe
by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief BRUSSELS (Worthy News) – Firefighters backed by Dutch military helicopters battled Belgium’s largest wildfire on record Sunday as flames swept through nearly 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres) of nature reserve and threatened areas near the German border, while deadly blazes raged elsewhere in Europe, including Greece. Hundreds of emergency workers were deployed in the High Fens, or Hoge Venen, in east…
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