Belgium battles record wildfire near German border; hundreds evacuated

Belgium is confronting its largest wildfire ever recorded, with the blaze consuming an estimated 6,700 acres in the eastern High Fens nature reserve. The fire's proximity to the German border, just 2 miles away, has prompted warnings of smoke danger for neighboring German communities.

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You can't see a thing anymore, there's smoke everywhere.

Authorities have ordered approximately 600 residents in parts of Waimes, Sourbrodt, and Buetgenbach to evacuate their homes. The unpredictable winds and dense smoke have raised serious concerns that the fire could spread to residential areas. Tourists have also been advised to leave the affected region.

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I am shocked at the speed and extent of the destruction.

In response, the European Union has deployed three helicopters and two water bombers, while Belgium has mobilized additional firefighters. The challenging terrain, characterized by peatlands and pine forests, has hampered ground operations, forcing firefighters to rely heavily on aerial support. Farmers have also assisted by wetting down areas to help contain the spread.

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There is a risk that the fire could reach homes, but we are deploying all available resources to protect them.

German authorities in Monschau, located just 2 kilometers from the border, are preparing residents for potential evacuation and warning of health risks from the smoke. While the local fire brigade does not anticipate the fire crossing into Germany imminently, the situation remains tense. This wildfire occurs amidst a period of extreme heat in Belgium, raising concerns about the increasing frequency and intensity of such events due to climate change.

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We are continuing to monitor the situation.