Wildfires in the Hohes Venn nature reserve near the German-Belgian border and in the Black Forest have forced evacuations and mobilized hundreds of firefighters as efforts to contain the blazes continue.

Firefighters are battling extensive wildfires in the Hohes Venn nature reserve, located on the German-Belgian border, and in the Black Forest region of Germany. The blaze in Hohes Venn has already destroyed approximately 3,000 hectares of vegetation, making it the largest wildfire in Belgium’s recent history. Around 30 residents of Monschau-Kalterherberg in North Rhine-Westphalia were evacuated due to heavy smoke, with most finding shelter with friends or family. Authorities are cautiously optimistic as rain and calmer winds have helped slow the fire’s spread.

Efforts to extinguish the fire in Hohes Venn have been bolstered by the German military, which deployed two helicopters equipped with water tanks to assist firefighters. The operation is expected to continue for at least seven days. Local officials have stated that the fire is unlikely to cross into German territory, though residents remain on high alert. Evacuees have not yet been allowed to return to their homes, and further evacuations are not currently anticipated.

Meanwhile, a separate wildfire in the Black Forest near Schramberg, Baden-Württemberg, has intensified, with approximately 10 to 12 hectares of forest now ablaze. The steep terrain has hindered firefighting efforts, with over 350 personnel working to contain the flames. In contrast, residents of Gebhardshain in the Westerwald region can breathe a sigh of relief as a nearby fire that had threatened homes has been successfully extinguished. Authorities continue to monitor affected areas to prevent flare-ups.