The impact of the drought is increasingly making itself felt in Flanders. Since the beginning of March there has been very little rainfall. As a result of this groundwater levels are low and the risk of wildfires is increasing. At 12 noon on Tuesday the Flemish Woodland and Nature Agency implemented its Code Red wildfire prevention measure in the whole of Antwerp and Limburg provinces.
Given that the ground is currently very dry, areas such as heathland are at particular risk from wildfires. Until 12 noon on Tuesday Code Orange was in force throughout Flanders. This has now been upscaled to code red in the province of Antwerp and Limburg.
In Wallonia Code Red has been in force on the High Fens since Monday. Walloon Environment Agency staff will patrol the area of outstanding natural beauty to ensure that the measures are upheld.
What does Code Red entail?
Code Red entails the strictest measures short of cordoning off a forest or other area of natural beauty than can be implemented in order to prevent wildfires. Under Code Red access to forests and areas of natural beauty is discouraged (but not forbidden).
The public is urged to exercise caution and it is forbidden to light fires in or near to the areas concerned. In addition to this extra manpower and equipment are made available to fire services. These can be deployed if a wildfire breaks out.