Rain aids Belgian firefighters battling century's largest wildfire
Firefighters in Belgium's High Fens nature reserve are working to fully encircle the country's largest wildfire in a century, aided by rain but hampered by wind affecting air operations. The blaze has spread close to the German border, prompting evacuation warnings in Monschau.
Belgian firefighters worked on Tuesday to fully encircle the country's largest wildfire in a century, which has engulfed the High Fens (Hautes Fagnes) nature reserve. Rain and cooler temperatures offered some natural relief from the flames, though wind combined with the rain to complicate aerial water-dropping operations. By Monday, the fire had spread across roughly 3,000 hectares, about half the size of Manhattan.
Firefighting progress
Regional government spokesman Nicolas Yernaux told AFP that crews were pushing to complete a critical link-up between the eastern and northern fronts, working overnight despite difficult terrain in the hilly, forested area. He said only one or two kilometers remained before full containment, and that the fire was under control in areas accessible to firefighters. However, a hard-to-reach front stretching toward the German town of Monschau remained concerning, since it is mostly accessible only from the air — operations that wind and rain could delay.
Situation near the German border
The fire sits about 2.3 kilometers from the German border, with strong winds blowing eastward toward it. Monschau residents have been advised to leave their homes due to smoke risk. A local fire service spokesman described the situation as manageable for now, though water tanks have been positioned in case flames approach. Around 170 people are working around the clock in shifts, with authorities expecting the operation to continue for several more days. Smoke has drifted dozens of kilometers to German cities including Cologne and Wuppertal, which have warned residents about air quality.
Residents returning, farmers' role reviewed
Some evacuated villagers, including in Sourbrodt, began returning home on Monday as the immediate threat eased, though local authorities urged continued caution. Two villages in the Bütgenbach municipality remain evacuated. Wallonia's Agriculture Ministry said it would review compensation for farmers who volunteered their equipment to help transport water and clear vegetation during the firefighting effort.
