Belgium is continuing to battle its largest recorded wildfire after flames swept through approximately 3,000 hectares of forest in the High Fens nature reserve, forcing hundreds of residents from their homes while firefighters worked to contain several remaining hotspots.

Authorities said around 600 evacuated residents had not yet been allowed to return, although no homes were destroyed overnight despite the fire continuing to burn near populated areas and thick smoke lingering across the region.

The wildfire, which began on Friday, spread rapidly over the weekend amid dry conditions, prompting one of the country's largest firefighting operations in recent years.

International teams join firefighting efforts

More than 250 emergency personnel remained on the ground overnight, supported by firefighters from more than 15 emergency zones across Belgium as well as teams from Germany and Luxembourg. Belgian Civil Protection units, federal police and military personnel also joined the response.

Two Belgian federal police helicopters and two Dutch Chinook helicopters assisted aerial firefighting operations, while Swedish firefighting aircraft were placed on standby through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism in case additional support became necessary.

Prime Minister Bart De Wever thanked emergency responders and European partners for their assistance, expressing support for communities affected by the disaster.

Smoke spreads beyond the fire zone

Fire crews concentrated on a section of the blaze near the German border where difficult terrain limited access for ground vehicles. Conditions in the nearby German town of Monschau improved after residents had earlier been advised to prepare for a possible evacuation.

Smoke from the wildfire spread as far as 80 kilometers from the affected area, reaching parts of Belgium's Namur and Luxembourg provinces. Local authorities urged residents in affected areas to keep windows and doors closed, switch off ventilation systems and limit outdoor activities because of deteriorating air quality.(ILKHA)