Wildfires persist across Germany and France as firefighters battle steep terrain and flare-ups

Firefighters across Western Europe continue to battle persistent wildfires fueled by severe heat. In Germany's Baden-Württemberg region, a forest fire near Schramberg expanded along steep terrain, preventing ground crews from reaching active hotspots directly. Conversely, responders made progress against North Rhine-Westphalia's largest historical wildfire in Hürtgenwald, bringing the 300-hectare blaze under control to advance toward its center.

Along the German-Belgian border in the High Fens nature reserve, conditions remained tense, though officials confirmed the flames stopped advancing into Germany. Military helicopters supported containment efforts after heavy smoke prompted 30 evacuations in Monschau.

Meanwhile, in southwestern France's Landes department, a dry pine forest fire flared up overnight after burning 1,580 hectares. Local authorities ordered 650 evacuations, though no residential structures were destroyed.

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