Since the beginning of April, the fire brigade has been warning about the increased risk of wild fires in the Kennemerland and North Holland North regions, which include the North Holland dunes. Now Gooi and Vechtstreek have been added, where there are many heathlands.
Last year there were a total of 57 wildfires in the province. Most fires took place in the Gooi and Vechtstreek (26), followed by Zaanstreek-Waterland (11) and Amsterdam-Amstelland (8). In the regions of North Holland North and Kennemerland there were 7 and 5 fires respectively.
April driest month of the year
In the Netherlands, wildfires mainly occur in the spring, between March and June, when there is little rain. April is especially the driest month of the year.
On average, 40 millimeters of rain falls in April, but this year it is much less, says the KNMI. The weather institute expect that in the coming weeks the precipitation deficit will only increase further.
Fire brigade call
According to the fire brigade, when it is dry for a long time, a natural band can spread quickly and unpredictably. That is why the fire brigade asks visitors to nature reserves to pay close attention, for example when throwing away cigarette butts or glassware. Glass on which the sun shines can act as a magnifying glass and cause a fire. You also have to pay attention to where you park your car. The exhaust and catalytic converter can become hot and cause a fire in tall, dry grass.
