Waldbrände: Brand in Belgien – Monschau bereitet Evakuierungen vor

A large forest fire in the Hohen Venn region in Belgium has prompted the city of Monschau in northwestern Germany to prepare for potential evacuations. The city's Facebook page announced that residents from several settlements, including Ruitzhof, Leyloch, Vennhof, Haus Sonnentau, and Plattevenn, should be prepared for evacuation.

These communities are located approximately 20 kilometers from the massive blaze in the Hürtgenwald forest, also in North Rhine-Westphalia. Residents are advised to stay with relatives or friends, if possible, as emergency shelters are being set up. This is a precautionary measure, as the fire is now estimated to have affected around 1,600 hectares.

The fire has been described as "the largest the country has ever experienced," according to the public broadcaster RTBF. Belgium had previously requested assistance from other European Union countries. German firefighters are already on the ground, and additional helicopters and aircraft from the Czech Republic, Sweden, and the Netherlands have been mobilized.

Around 600 people in two Belgian locations have been instructed to leave their homes due to the rapidly spreading fire, shifting wind directions, and high smoke production. Smoke from the fire has also reached Rhineland-Palatinate, causing a strong odor and dust particles in the air. The police in Trier reported that the smoke from the fires in Belgium and North Rhine-Westphalia has been spreading in the region, particularly in the Eifel and Moselle areas.

Several Kirmes (festivals) have been halted due to the smoke and ash in the air. The police presidency in Trier stated that there are currently no ground or forest fires in their jurisdiction and no immediate danger from these fires.