Waldbrände: Lage in Monschau und Hürtgenwald entspannt sich

Recent forest fires in the northwestern German cities of Monschau and Hürtgenwald have calmed significantly. According to Düren district officials on Sunday morning, following the overnight firefighting efforts, there were no more open flames. About 20 kilometers away in Monschau, the fire front had approached closely but did not cross into German territory.

The city had not anticipated the flames reaching the area, but had primarily warned residents about the health hazards of the smoke. The fire was reported in the night before Friday. A large-scale operation had been initiated because of the fear that the flames might spread to inhabited areas. Hürtgenwald, located in western North Rhine-Westphalia near the border with Belgium, had also seen firefighting efforts in recent days.

In Monschau, the city did not plan an evacuation for two neighborhoods - Mützenich and Kalterherberg - with approximately 5,000 residents. A spokesperson for the city told the German Press Agency that "a cautious relaxation of the situation is taking place." On the night before Sunday, residents of the two neighborhoods were initially warned to prepare for possible evacuation as a precautionary measure.