Number of DOVO interventions greater than in all other provinces combined

“For 2021, this concerns 2,184 interventions. Almost one and a half times the number that must be done together in other provinces.”

Decline compared to 2020

“Compared to 2020, there is a slight decrease,” says Pillen. “Back then there were more than 300 more. The fact that so many interventions remain necessary in West Flanders is, of course, related to the military history of West Flanders.”

The first pursuer turns out to be the province of Hainaut. “There, 279 interventions were carried out. The least number of interventions took place in Walloon Brabant”, says Jasper Pillen.

What is DOVO?

DOVO (Department for Clearing and Destruction of Explosive Devices) has more than 240 employees. They are responsible on a daily basis for the detection and defusing of explosive devices, a core task of Defense in the context of Aid to the Nation.

DOVO has its headquarters in Heverlee, but the military quarters in Langemark-Poelkapelle are particularly important for handling the explosives found.