Belgium Wildfire Heads Toward Germany as Record Blaze Burns 3,000 Hectares

BRUSSELS, Belgium — Belgium’s largest wildfire on record is advancing toward the German border after burning around 3,000 hectares, with firefighters battling the blaze through Sunday morning and communities across the border being warned to prepare for possible evacuation.

Hundreds Evacuated

Around 600 residents in the Belgian municipalities of Waimes and Bütgenbach have been evacuated as the wildfire spreads through the High Fens nature reserve.

Tourists have also been advised to leave the threatened area.

Fire Approaches Germany

The wildfire has moved to within approximately 3 kilometers of the German border, prompting authorities in Monschau, Germany, to warn residents in several districts about smoke hazards and the possibility of evacuation.

Residents closest to the border have been advised to temporarily relocate where possible.

Major Firefighting Operation

More than 250 emergency personnel, including Belgian and German firefighters, police, military personnel and civil protection teams, are involved in the operation.

Firefighting helicopters and additional aerial resources have also been deployed as crews attempt to stop the flames from reaching residential areas.

No homes had been reported damaged as of Sunday morning, but authorities warned that the fire remains close to populated areas.