Light rain, easing winds and higher humidity brought relief to firefighters battling a major blaze in Belgium’s High Fens Nature Park. By early Monday, the fire was no longer advancing towards the German border.
The blaze has burned around 30,000 stremmas, equivalent to 3,000 hectares, making it the largest wildfire recorded in Belgium.
Fire reached close to German border
“This is good for us,” a fire service spokesperson said at the command centre in Kalterherberg, part of the German town of Monschau.
The fire had earlier reached within approximately 300 metres of the German border, raising concerns that stronger winds or a change in wind direction could drive the flames into Germany.
Residents evacuated from Monschau
Around 30 residents were evacuated as a precaution from 17 homes in parts of Monschau late on Sunday evening.
Firefighters expressed hope that the homes could be protected.
“Between the fire and the homes are meadows, which we have soaked with water over the past few hours,” a spokesperson said.
A temporary shelter was also established at a nearby school.
German crews join firefighting operation
German crews joined the firefighting operation after Belgium requested assistance on Sunday afternoon.
Water tankers continued operating throughout the night in Kalterherberg, while crews filled large reservoirs used by firefighting vehicles tackling the blaze.
Firefighters in eastern Belgium continue to face challenging conditions. Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said relatively strong winds, which repeatedly change direction, were making the operation particularly difficult.
Source: APE-MPE
