Hundreds flee as Belgium battles wildfire at German border - dw.com
A massive wildfire in Belgium's High Fens nature reserve has forced hundreds of evacuations and prompted international assistance from the EU. The fire has spread rapidly across the border toward Germany, leading to precautionary measures in the town of Monschau.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the increasing threat of extreme weather events and wildfires in Europe, necessitating cross-border emergency cooperation.
A rapidly spreading wildfire has scorched about 2,700 hectares in the High Fens nature reserve near Belgium's border with Germany. Some homes in the German town of Monschau were evacuated overnight as a precaution.
https://p.dw.com/p/5ItqE Massive plumes of smoke began spreading towards Germany, leading authorities to warn residents of potential evacuations Image: Christoph Reichwein/dpa/picture alliance Advertisement Belgium is battling its largest wildfire on record which has burned around 2,700 hectares (6,700 acres) in the eastern High Fens nature reserve.
The fire approached to within 300 meters (984 feet) of the German border, causing authorities to carry out precautionary evacuations in the German town of Monschau.
On Saturday, the European Union deployed three helicopters and two water bombers as Belgium deployed additional firefighters in a bid to bring the massive blaze under control .
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