SPECIAL REPORT — FIRES & SMOKE: WHAT WE KNOW.

For several days, several fires have been keeping emergency services busy in the Greater Region. This Monday, 17 August, the situation is still being closely monitored in Belgium, in Germany and as far as our border region, where the smoke was clearly felt.

Hautes Fagnes: almost 3,000 hectares destroyed

In the Hautes Fagnes, near the German border, the fire has already destroyed around 3,000 hectares of vegetation — the largest fire in Belgium's recent history.

Rain and calm winds brought a slight improvement on Monday morning, but the situation remains delicate. Pockets of fire persist deep in the peat soils, making firefighting particularly difficult.

In Monschau, on the German side, around thirty residents had to leave their homes as a precaution. In the late afternoon, the authorities were still reporting heavy smoke and recommending locally that doors and windows be kept closed. Saarland: fire in Hüttigweiler under control

In Hüttigweiler, near Illingen, around 18 hectares were affected by another major fire.

The fire is now under control but not yet completely extinguished. Firefighting had to be interrupted temporarily, however, because Second World War munitions may be buried in the ground. The bomb disposal service was on site.

Smoke felt far beyond the fires

The consequences are visible dozens, even hundreds of kilometres from the main fires.

The SWR confirms in particular that smoke from Belgium has returned to the Trier region, with smells noticeable in parts of Rhineland-Palatinate.

On the French side, several residents and towns in the Moselle have also reported a smell of burning, smoke or a very hazy sky to Radio Tripoint.

We received similar reports from the Three Borders and from near the German border.

It is therefore important to note that a smell of burning or a hazy sky does not necessarily mean there is a fire nearby: smoke can be carried over long distances by the wind and weather conditions.

Caution across the Greater Region

The situation continues to change rapidly. In heavy smoke, it is best to limit your exposure as much as possible and follow the advice of local authorities.

This news comes as Radio Tripoint wraps up its prevention campaign on 17 August to protect our forests and natural areas — a reminder of how important it is, more than ever, to stay vigilant about the risk of fire.

Radio Tripoint, the cross-border radio

Article updated on 17 August 2026 in the late afternoon.