Belgium's biggest wildfire on record heads towards Germany
More than 250 firefighters and emergency workers are battling the blaze, while EU aircraft and helicopters have been sent to support evacuations.
- A massive wildfire in eastern Belgium's High Fens nature reserve has scorched more than 27 square kilometers since breaking out Friday, with firefighters battling what media describe as one of the country's worst-ever wildfires.
- Unusually hot weather with temperatures reaching about 37 C fueled the fire's rapid spread through the High Fens' fragile peatlands, while authorities warned the region's rugged terrain prevents emergency services from tackling flames at close quarters.
- Authorities ordered 600 residents in Waimes and Buetgenbach to evacuate Saturday, while more than 250 emergency personnel, including Belgian and German firefighters, deployed with support from European Union helicopters and water bombers.
- A gymnasium in Malmedy opened to shelter evacuees, where the Belgian Red Cross provides food and rest. Officials warn the fire remains close to residential areas, though no homes were affected as of Sunday morning.
- The fire sits about 3 kilometers from the German border, where officials in Monschau remain on alert. European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib called the blaze the latest sign of "climate upheaval" affecting the continent.
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To norske skogbrannhelikoptre lett Monday morning fra Geiteryggen ved Skien with course for Belgium. Belgian myndigheter har takket ja til Norges tilbud om bistand.
Rain brings respite as Belgium wrestles massive wildfire
ROBERTVILLE (BELGIUM) — Much-needed rain brought some respite Monday to firefighters on their fourth day battling Belgium's worst wildfire in a century, which has scorched vast expanses of nature reserve on the German border.
The Hautes Fagnes, in the southeast: it started on Friday and is moving towards neighbouring Germany
VIDEO - Belgium is mobilizing important means to combat one of the most important fires in its recent history. Nearly 3000 hectares have already burned, while the flames are approaching the German border dangerously.
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