German firefighters battle major blaze in Belgium's High Fens

German firefighters are actively engaged in combating a significant wildfire raging in Belgium's High Fens nature reserve, a blaze described as one of the largest in Belgian history. The fire line currently extends to within approximately 2.3 kilometers of the German border, necessitating continuous operations throughout the night.

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We must definitely operate here all night and keep areas clear.

Tobias Schell, spokesperson for the Monschau fire department, stated that German forces must "definitely operate here all night and keep areas clear." A total of 240 emergency personnel from fire departments, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief, rescue services, and police are involved in rotating shifts. Despite the intensity, Schell described the situation as "relatively relaxed" and that they were "ahead of the situation," focusing on control and watering efforts.

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We are making ourselves not panic now.

However, firefighters acknowledge their limitations. Schell explained they are "powerless" if the fire reaches the treetops in a coniferous forest, reaching heights of 15 meters. In such scenarios, they must retreat and focus on creating firebreaks to slow the spread. The immediate concern for the night is an expected change in wind direction and a slight increase in wind speed, requiring close monitoring of the surroundings for rapid response.

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We are definitely prepared.

The fire prompted evacuations in Monschau-Kalterherberg, with about 30 residents forced to leave their homes as the blaze neared the German border. A smaller, isolated fire about 300 meters from the border was extinguished. While no further evacuations are currently planned, the displaced residents have not yet been able to return home.

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We are powerless, however, if the fire goes into the treetops in a coniferous forest.