Flanders’ Agency for Nature and Forests (ANB) has issued a code yellow warning for wildfires with as temperatures expected to rise above 30° this week. Combined with easterly winds, this increases the risk of wildfires.
There will be little or no rain this week and the wind will dry out the landscape. For ANB, these are signals to raise the safety code to code yellow.
“The wind is coming from the east,” says Frank Van Swalm of ANB. “It is much drier, which affects the humidity. This means that nature is becoming drier. Combined with the warm weather, this increases the risk of wildfires.”
It is important that everyone pays extra attention and that the fire brigade is on standby if necessary
There is no immediate danger of fire, but vigilance is required. “This is an initial escalation, so the danger is not yet very great,” says Van Swalm. “But it is important that everyone pays extra attention and that the fire brigade is on standby if necessary.”
Visitors to nature reserves who notice smoke or fire are asked to call the fire brigade as soon as possible.
Code green: there is no particular risk, the fire brigade will respond with normal resources if a fire does occur.
Code yellow: nature conservation officers are on high alert and the fire brigade will respond with extra resources. Visitors are asked to be vigilant.
Code orange: the risk of fire is very high. It is not recommended to leave children unattended in a nature reserve, and the fire brigade will respond with heavy equipment and additional manpower.
Code red: there is an acute fire hazard and everyone is advised to stay out of the area. The fire brigade will also respond with additional resources. Fire towers are usually manned.