The municipality of Westerveld has set a heating ban for the public space due to the persistent heat and drought. According to the municipality, the risk of natural fires is increasing sharply this camping season.
On campsites, during recreational lakes and on event grounds, it is forbidden, for example, to make a campfire or light a torch. Fire for cooking, baking and roasting is also temporarily prohibited.
That means that camping guests are not allowed to ignite the barbecue for the time being. The barbecue is only allowed again if the municipality is retracting the heating ban.
If the drought persists, Westerveld can also decide to set a heating ban in ‘the open space’. “That means that it is no longer allowed to heat on your own site, such as in one’s own garden,” the municipality reports.
Since last weekend, the fire brigade has also been more alert to any natural fires. The Drenthe Safety Region, which includes the fire brigade, increased the risk profile to phase 2. Based on this increased natural fire risk, municipalities can decide to set a heating ban.
In recent years, the municipality of Westerveld has always been one of the first municipalities to set a heating ban. There are numerous recreational parks in the municipality between nature reserves such as the Dwingelderveld and the Drents-Friese Wold and the Holtingerveld.
In 2018, the municipality was startled by a large natural fire near Wateren. In addition, 75 hectares went up in flames and campsites were evacuated.