'Never seen one like it': German pensioners flee wildfire

German pensioners flee wildfire in rare event - German retirees Petra Mertens and Ulrich were among around 30 residents who were forced to evacuate their homes in Monschau, a town in western Germany, due to an enormous fire that had spread from neighbouring Belgium. The couple, along with their dogs Cleo and Kruemel, were among the evacuees at a community centre equipped with stretcher beds.

Mertens, a former careworker, expressed that they went "voluntarily" as the air was terrible and they didn't want to expose their dogs to the smoke. Her husband, a retired warehouse worker, described the fire as unprecedented, stating, "I've never seen one like it." Monschau, known for its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, is experiencing its worst wildfire in a century, with strong south-westerly winds forecasted to exacerbate the blaze.

Eastern Belgium has become Europe's most urgent fire front, with the High Fens nature reserve burning for four days. Belgian firefighters have been assisted by their German colleagues, but rain and favorable winds provided some relief. Monschau fire chief Philipp Krueger warned that the situation is unprecedented and preparations are being made for potential worsening conditions.