Countries across Europe remained locked in a desperate struggle against wildfires on Sunday as blistering temperatures and tinder-dry landscapes continued to fuel the crisis. In eastern Belgium, a massive blaze in the High Fens nature reserve has become the largest in the country's recent history. Authorities reported that the fire more than doubled in size within 24 hours, now affecting approximately 3,000 hectares, or 7,500 acres. The Wallonia regional government confirmed that over 250 firefighters and emergency personnel were mobilized throughout the night, though officials warned that conditions remain challenging two days after the fire first broke out.
The situation has created significant cross-border concerns, with the area along the German border shrouded in thick, yellowish smoke on Sunday. German authorities noted that while the flames are currently three kilometres from the border and not expected to spread into the country, the risk of severe smoke pollution is high. Consequently, authorities in the North-Rhine Westphalia border town of Monschau urgently advised residents in three districts to evacuate their homes by 10am on Sunday, citing the potential for significant smoke exposure and fallout.
In the nearby German Eifel region, the situation in the town of Hürtgenwald showed signs of improvement on Sunday. A major fire had previously forced the evacuation of 1,800 people from the town of 9,000, but the Düren district stated on Saturday evening that the threat had eased sufficiently for residents to return. While the flames have not been completely extinguished, the spread has been halted, and approximately 1,600 emergency personnel remain on-site to monitor the area.
Meanwhile, in Spain, a fire in the northeastern region of Aragon has been raging for seven days, affecting more than 16,000 hectares. Firefighters successfully halted the blaze's spread toward population centers and two historic monasteries, including one with roots dating back to the 10th century. To support these efforts, France is sending 100 firefighters, 16 fire engines, and a helicopter. Authorities issued an emergency text alert on Sunday, warning hikers and those in forest areas to remain in urban environments and avoid the mountains near Peña Oroel. Despite over 1,000 people from 20 villages remaining evacuated, weather forecasts suggest light rain and lower temperatures may provide relief.
In France, the situation in the southwest is developing more favorably. Regional prefect Gilles Clavreul reported that a 1,700-hectare fire, which has been burning since Thursday, saw no major flare-ups overnight due to falling temperatures. In the northeastern Ardennes, a 100-hectare fire is also improving. David Gouzou, deputy director of the Ardennes fire service, described the blaze as unprecedented in the department's recent history. Elsewhere, on the Greek Aegean island of Skyros, firefighters were battling for a second day to contain a forest fire. Mayor Kyriakos Antonopoulos expressed optimism, telling state TV ERT that he believed the fire would be fully extinguished within the day.
Legal action is also underway in Croatia, where police have arrested four people suspected of starting wildfires along the Adriatic coast. The suspects are accused of igniting fires that scorched pine forests and olive groves during a period of severe drought and extreme heat.
Belgium fire doubles leading to evacuation of parts of Germany's Monschau
