Evacuation orders lifted in Belgian wildfire zone

Evacuation orders have been lifted in the Belgian wildfire zone as firefighters appear to be gaining control over the massive High Fens wildfire. Authorities in Belgium and Germany lifted the last remaining evacuation orders in the border region where fire crews have been working tirelessly to contain the blaze. Despite the fire threatening to spread to the east, fire crews have managed to fully encircle the blaze and water-dropping aircraft are now aiding in the effort.

The fire, which has been burning since Friday and has been the country's largest in a century, has been contained and is no longer able to spread. However, new flare-ups are still emerging, but are being brought under control. Villagers in two Belgian hamlets have been given the all-clear to return home, and the German town of Monschau has also announced it is safe for residents near the border to go back.

The fire has charred a vast area of peatland, pine trees, and hiking trails, but officials warn that even after control is achieved, it will take weeks or months for the peat to dry out and prevent any potential reignition.