Wildfire spreads from Belgium towards Germany, causing evacuations

A massive wildfire has been raging in the High Fens nature reserve in eastern Belgium since Friday, August 14, 2026. The blaze, considered the largest in Belgium's history, consumed approximately 30,000 decares of forest, moving dangerously close to the German border and the town of Monschau. By late Sunday, the fire reached within 300 meters of the border, leading municipal authorities to issue urgent evacuation orders for approximately 30 residents from 17 homes in specific districts of Monschau.

Following the evacuations, the situation began to stabilize by early Monday morning. A light rain, combined with a reduction in wind speeds and increased humidity, helped firefighters halt the fire's forward progress toward German territory. While authorities initially issued warnings and set up emergency reception centers in local schools to protect the population, the current status is more favorable. Firefighting teams remain on high alert to prevent the flames from crossing the border, with ongoing efforts to contain the remaining hot spots in the difficult, rugged terrain.