Wildfires leave massive destruction in Germany and Belgium

Aerial photography has revealed the extensive destruction caused by recent wildfires in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and Belgium. Large areas of forest appear blackened and brown in the images.

In Belgium, the fire in the High Fens (Hohes Venn) is reported to be under control by the Governor of Liège, Hervé Jamar, though it has not been fully extinguished. Authorities warned that isolated hotspots could flare up again, requiring ongoing monitoring by emergency crews.

In Germany, the fire in the Hürtgenwald region of the Eifel was one of the largest in the history of North Rhine-Westphalia, destroying between 300 and 400 hectares of forest. The Düren police have not ruled out arson as the cause, and the investigation has been handed over to the Aachen Public Prosecutor's Office. The fires in the Hürtgenwald occurred on August 13, affecting areas near the Wehebacht Reservoir and between the districts of Großhau and Gey.