A large-scale wildfire has devastated approximately 27 square kilometres—an area equivalent to 3,780 football fields—within the High Fens nature reserve in eastern Belgium. The blaze, which ignited on Friday, continues to burn across multiple locations, with thick smoke impacting nearby communities. Belgian public broadcaster VRT reported that hundreds of residents from Sourbrodt and Butgenbach remain unable to return to their homes after roughly 600 people were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Emergency response operations are extensive, involving more than 250 personnel who worked throughout the night. The firefighting effort includes over 100 firefighters from Belgium and Germany, 70 police officers, 40 soldiers, and 20 civil protection staff. Additionally, two Dutch Chinook helicopters, each capable of transporting about 7,600 litres of water, have been deployed to assist in the containment efforts.
Authorities have noted that the situation remains difficult due to shifting winds and the challenging nature of the terrain. The presence of peat beneath the heathland has further complicated operations, as it continues to smoulder and trigger repeated flare-ups. On Sunday morning, as the fire advanced toward the German town of Monschau, residents in neighbourhoods including Plattevenn and Leyloch were ordered to evacuate.
Local officials in Malmedy have issued health advisories, urging residents to stay indoors, keep doors and windows shut, avoid outdoor physical activity, and disable ventilation systems to mitigate the impact of the heavy smoke. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed his gratitude to the emergency responders and international partners for their support, stating that his thoughts are with everyone affected by the ongoing disaster.
