Firefighters are battling a massive wildfire in eastern Belgium that has burned about 30 square kilometres of the High Fens nature reserve and forced around 600 residents to evacuate.
The blaze, which began in the High Fens near the German border, has become one of the most serious wildfires in Belgium’s recent history. Strong winds and extremely dry conditions have made the fire difficult to contain, with flames continuing to spread through areas of heathland and peat bogs.
More than 250 emergency personnel, including Belgian and German firefighters, police, military personnel and civil protection workers, have been deployed to fight the fire. Firefighting helicopters and water-bombing aircraft from several European countries are also supporting the operation.
Residents in parts of the municipalities of Waimes and Bütgenbach, in Liège province, were ordered to leave their homes after shifting winds pushed smoke and flames closer to populated areas. Tourists were also advised to leave the affected zone.
Authorities said no homes had been affected as of the latest reports, but the fire remains close to residential communities. Officials have urged people to stay away from the wildfire area to avoid obstructing emergency vehicles and to reduce the risk to the public.
The wildfire comes after weeks of unusually hot and dry weather across Europe. Scientists say climate change is increasing the likelihood of the extreme heat and dry conditions that allow wildfires to spread more rapidly and burn for longer periods.
European authorities are continuing to coordinate firefighting assistance as Belgium works to contain the blaze and protect nearby communities.
Swifteradio.com
