AI Generated Image
Hundreds flee as Belgium battles wildfire at German border
dw.com • • general
Key Points:
- Belgium is facing its largest recorded wildfire, which has burned approximately 2,700 hectares in the eastern High Fens nature reserve, nearing the German border and prompting precautionary evacuations in both Belgium and Germany.
- Around 600 residents in Belgian towns including Waimes, Sourbrodt, and Buetgenbach were evacuated due to shifting winds and heavy smoke, with tourists also advised to leave the area; a gymnasium was opened as a shelter.
- Firefighting efforts have been challenged by difficult terrain, relying heavily on aerial resources, including helicopters and water bombers deployed by the EU, with additional support from firefighters in Germany and Luxembourg as well as local farmers.
- In the German town of Monschau, about 30 residents were evacuated as a precaution, but the fire was reported to have stopped advancing toward the border by Monday, aided by light rain and favorable weather conditions.
- The wildfire season is being exacerbated by climate change, with unusually early and intense fires occurring at northern latitudes, as noted by European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, who highlighted the link between rising temperatures and increased wildfire risk.
