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Belgian Firefighters Evacuate Towns as High Fens Burns

8/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

On August 18, 2026, Belgian firefighters pushed to encircle the High Fens wildfire that had burned 3,000 hectares (half Manhattan) by August 17.
Authorities evacuated the border town of Monschau and two Belgian villages, with the hamlet of Sourbrodt returning the night of August 17.
Interior Minister Bernard Quintin warned soaking will be needed after containment, while Agriculture Minister Anne-Catherine Dalcq announced compensation review for farmers who helped transport water and clear foliage.

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Story summary

On August 18, 2026, Belgian firefighters pushed to encircle the High Fens wildfire that had burned 3,000 hectares (half Manhattan) by August 17.
Authorities evacuated the border town of Monschau and two Belgian villages, with the hamlet of Sourbrodt returning the night of August 17.
Interior Minister Bernard Quintin warned soaking will be needed after containment, while Agriculture Minister Anne-Catherine Dalcq announced compensation review for farmers who helped transport water and clear foliage.