News item | 13-05-2025 | 16:00
Today, the cabinet sent an umbrella crisis plan for the collaboration between crisis partners in (imminent) nature fire to the Lower House. Climate changes increases the risk of natural fires. Natural fires can have major effects on the environment. There is then even a chance of outbreak several fires at the same time.
Fighting natural fires is complex and requires many of all different partners. Natural fires must be checked and extinguished, but in some cases much more is needed than that. For example, it may happen that threatened area must be evacuated or that humans and animals have to be saved. A smooth running of such a process is only possible if all partners work closely together. This concerns, for example, the central government, municipalities, security regions, fire brigade and police forces, but also emergency services and organizations that manage (natural) areas. Because so many partners work together, it is of great importance that it has been agreed in advance how that goes. This crisis plan provides for this. At the same time, attention points came to light when drawing up this plan for the further development of an effective combating of (large -scale) natural fires. This includes improving knowledge development, supra-regional/national assistance and coordination of risk and crisis communication.
Ingrid Coenradie, State Secretary for Justice and Security:
‘In recent months, many natural fires have been brought under control with the efforts of parties. Thanks to this effort and professionalism, large parts of nature have been saved and no victims have fallen. Natural fires are increasing and the danger has not passed. That certainly applies to the coming dry period and with the summer ahead. That only indicates how important this plan is.
Jack Mikkers, Portfolio holder Fire Department Safety Council:
‘Natural fires will occur more often and increase in intensity. The chance of an uncontrollable natural fire is increasing. The fire brigade is on the bar for this, but of course it is not possible. With this plan, the necessary cooperation is further professionalized, so that we are prepared as much as possible when the next nature fire presents itself. “
The plan is part of the ambitions of the government and safety regions with regard to strengthening preparation and preparation for priority risks in the context of the national crisis management agenda. In addition to the plan, work is being done on an integral approach for natural fire control. Prevention, mitigation and combating natural fires must ensure that the impact of natural fire in the Netherlands is limited. The Ministry of Justice and Security (crisis management) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (Risk Management) work closely together in tackling natural fires.