Reuters
German wildfire near Belgian border under control, local authorities say
A wildfire in western Germany that forced the evacuation of thousands of people on Friday has stabilised, local authorities said on Saturday, although residents were still barred from returning home.
The wildfire, the biggest ever to strike North Rhine-Westphalia – Germany's most populous state – is another sign of how Europe's heatwave is causing damage across the continent.
Five years ago the state was hit by major floods that killed nearly 200 in Germany, which state premier Hendrik Wuest said was a sign of the increased risks tied to changing weather patterns.
"This isn't the first time we've experienced these extreme weather conditions. And that's also linked to climate change. No one is seriously going to deny that any longer," Wuest told reporters. "In future, we will have to deal with extreme weather events more frequently."
Wuest said the fire extended over 300 hectares, or about the area of 400 football fields, with around 1,500 emergency services personnel involved.
More than 2,000 people were evacuated from the village of Gey, near the Belgian border, on Friday after the fire came within 300 metres (1,000 ft) of the community.
"We are satisfied with how things are progressing. Specifically, this means that the fire has not spread any further," Peter Berndgen, fire service spokesperson for the district in Dueren, told reporters. "The situation has stabilised somewhat."
Wuest said residents may be able to return to their homes soon if the situation stabilised further.
Emergency services were also preparing for stronger northerly winds later on Saturday, the Dueren district said in a separate statement, adding it remained unclear how they might affect the fire.
