In West Flanders, a major blaze in the sand dunes between the seaside resorts of Wenduine (De Haan) and Blankenberge has destroyed approximately 7,000 square metres of vegetation. The fire service brought the fire under control after about an hour. West Flanders Governor Carl Decaluwé is asking anyone going for a walk or a bike ride in the countryside to be careful and to keep an eye out for smoke or small fires.
The morning after the fire, large areas of the dunes lie charred black. A strong smell of smoke still lingers along a stretch of about 300 metres of path. Several fires broke out, but the cause is not entirely clear. “It could have been the sun reflecting off a piece of glass, or it could have been a cigarette,” says De Haan Mayor Wilfried Vandaele.
Wind played a crucial role
The direction of the wind limited the damage. “It was a blessing in disguise: the wind came from the sea, which blew the fire into the scrub. As a result, the fire spread less quickly than it would have done on dry dune grass. If the wind had blown sideways across the dunes, it would have been a very different story,” said Vandaele.
The damage is limited to dune vegetation and fencing.
Inspection and pomised repairs
The Flemish Maritime and Coastal Services Agency (MDK) has already visited the site to carry out an inspection. “Only the fencing needs to be repaired; the vegetation will grow back naturally,” says spokesperson Dries Derudder. The paths through the dunes are now accessible once again.
Mayor Vandaele points out that fires of this kind are becoming increasingly common in summer. “In 2022, several cars went up in flames following a verge fire at Vosseslag, right next to the dunes.”
Vandaele is cautiously optimistic about nature’s recovery. “I’m no specialist, but perhaps the dunes will recover naturally.”
Governor Decaluwé: “Be careful and vigilant”
On Monday, Provincial Governor Carl Decaluwé urged anyone going for a walk or a bike ride in the countryside to be careful, but also vigilant. “If you smell smoke or see a fire or smoke, we ask you to call the emergency services immediately,” emphasised Decaluwé.
“A single moment of inattention can have enormous consequences,” says Decaluwé. “Avoid open fires, barbecues and cigarettes. In short: anything that could pose a fire risk really must be avoided in the dunes or woods this week.”