Firefighters are working to contain a huge wildfire in Belgium’s High Fens nature reserve, with thick smoke covering the area near the German border.

Footage shows crews advancing through the smoke, spraying water onto burning and smouldering ground and cutting down trees to slow the fire’s spread. Tankers and fire engines are also being deployed as firefighters tackle flames in the difficult terrain.

The blaze has already scorched around 30 square kilometres, making it one of Belgium’s worst wildfires in recent history. Shifting winds have pushed the fire eastwards towards Germany, while around 600 residents have been evacuated from nearby communities.

Belgium has also received international firefighting support, including water-bombing aircraft and helicopters, as crews continue efforts to bring the blaze under control.