Firefighters battle persistent European wildfires in steep terrain

Firefighters across Germany, Belgium, and France continue emergency operations as persistent heat fuels multiple wildfires. In Baden-Württemberg, emergency crews struggled to contain an expanding blaze near Schramberg, where steep terrain severely limited ground access.

Along the German-Belgian border, response efforts remained active in the High Fens nature reserve, supported by German military helicopters. Heavy smoke prompted the precautionary evacuation of 30 residents in nearby Monschau, though officials noted the fire was no longer advancing into German territory. Meanwhile, responders made progress in North Rhine-Westphalia, bringing a 300-hectare forest fire in Hürtgenwald under control.

In southwestern France's Landes department, emergency services contained a flare-up of pine forest fires that burned roughly 1,580 hectares. Authorities reported 650 residents were evacuated, with no homes destroyed.

Sources: Der Spiegel, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau