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Monschau: A large wildfire raging in eastern Belgium has forced a precautionary partial evacuation of the German border town of Monschau, as heavy smoke and changing weather conditions have caused fears among locals. Authorities instructed residents on several streets to vacate their houses immediately.
The blaze in Belgium's High Fens nature reserve has charred over 3,000 hectares, making it the country's largest wildfire on record. The fire had been heading toward the German border, but moderate rain, calmer winds, and increased humidity on Monday slowed its progress.
The Belgian municipalities of Waimes and Bütgenbach previously witnessed the evacuation of around 600 residents. Helicopters and water-bombing planes are supporting the 500 firefighters from Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg that are fighting the fire. Authorities are investigating its cause.
