Fire contained on the Belgian-German border
The forest fire in the High Fens nature reserve in Belgium stopped its advance towards the German border this morning. Favorable weather conditions – light rain, weak wind, and high humidity – assisted the firefighters' efforts.
"This is good for us," stated a fire department spokesperson from the command center in Kalterherberg.
Key facts about the situation:
- Scale: About 3,000 hectares have been destroyed, making it the largest fire in Belgium's history.
- Threat: The flames reached within 300 meters of the border with Germany, necessitating the evacuation of about 30 residents in Monschau.
- Cooperation: German teams joined the Belgian firefighters, and a local school was converted into a temporary shelter.
Despite the slight progress, authorities remain on alert, as variable winds in the East Belgium region continue to create difficulties for fully extinguishing the fire.