The Drenthe Safety Region (VRD) is increasing the wildfire risk from Phase 1 to Phase 2. “So far we have been able to fight the wildfires well, but the wind will increase considerably in the coming days and much precipitation is not expected,” says Theo de Jong of the VRD.
For the fire brigade itself, the increase in risk does not mean much. “We respond to every report with increased potential.” But extra alertness is especially required from the public. “We ask visitors to nature reserves to be extra alert to the occurrence of wild fires. Report it quickly via 112.”
The VRD also recommends, for example, not to park the car on a verge with tall grass, not to throw waste into nature and of course not to light a fire in nature.
In the Netherlands, there are two phases of wildfire risk. This week, a number of factors are coming together to increase the risk of a wildfire, De Jong explains. “The wind will increase in the coming days and will come from the east. This is dry wind that comes over the mainland to the Netherlands and brings with it low humidity. In addition, there has been little or no precipitation for a long time, all of which together increases the risk of fire.”
If De Jong looks ahead, he expects that the increased warning could last quite a while. “Some precipitation is expected this weekend, but if it is only a small amount it will evaporate very quickly. Especially when temperatures start to rise.”
In the background, work is being done on a structural plan to deal with wildfires, because it is expected that they will become more common in the coming years. The province of Drenthe takes the lead in drawing up this policy and works together with, among others, the VRD and site managers.
