After careful consultation with the North Holland Safety Region, the municipality of Texel has decided that the meierblissen may not be ignited. “We realize that this is a disappointing decision. Precisely because the meierblis means so much to our community.”
“The risk of fire is too great and therefore igniting the Meierblissen is irresponsible,” Mayor Mark Pol said in a response. This has been in effect in the region since this month phase 2 where the fire brigade and nature managers are extra alert to fire.
Too high risk
With the current weather forecast and the persistent drought, the risk is estimated too high. According to the municipality, the recent wildfires in the dunes of The Hague and today on the Veluwe indicates that the risk of fire is too great. In addition, these fires place extra pressure on the capacity of other safety regions.
The municipality has looked at alternatives, such as postponing or limiting it to one location on the island, but the safety region has advised against this. Pol: “This is a difficult decision. I understand very well that this causes disappointment and perhaps even misunderstanding.”
“It is incredibly unfortunate that we had to make this decision, but the risk is too great and safety is paramount. I call on everyone to respect this decision.”
