Over 170 firefighters are working tirelessly to contain a wildfire in Belgium’s High Fens nature reserve, with smoke and odor spreading as far as Cologne and Wuppertal.

A large wildfire continues to rage in the High Fens nature reserve near the Belgian-German border, with 170 firefighters deployed in a three-shift system to combat the flames. Officials report that the fire remains approximately two kilometers from the German border and is currently under control. However, authorities warn that shifting winds could exacerbate the situation, despite recent rainfall providing some relief.

Residents in the border town of Monschau and nearby areas, including Simmerath and Roetgen, have been advised to stay indoors due to heavy smoke and potential air quality concerns. Local officials have urged people to keep windows and doors closed, turn off ventilation systems, and bring pets indoors. The smoldering peat soil in the affected area is producing significant amounts of smoke, contributing to the strong odor and potential health risks.

The impact of the fire has extended over 100 kilometers, with reports of smoke and burning odors reaching Cologne, Wuppertal, and even parts of Düsseldorf. While no immediate danger has been reported in these cities, fire departments have issued precautionary warnings. Meanwhile, calls for improved wildfire prevention measures, including the creation of firebreaks, have been renewed by firefighting organizations to better prepare for such incidents in the future.