The various small fires in the De Hooiberg nature reserve in Haacht (Flemish Brabant) were started deliberately. This became clear from the local police investigation and has also been confirmed by the public prosecutor’s office. Mayor Steven Swiggers has voiced his outrage.
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Fires in Haacht nature reserve "were started deliberately"
Colin Clapson
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It was an alert local resident who reported the small fires in the nature reserve, near the border with Boortmeerbeek, to the emergency services last weekend. Thanks to the swift response, the flames in the bone-dry woodland were immediately extinguished. As several fires were identified in the same area, an investigation was launched straight away.
“This has now revealed that the fires were indeed started deliberately,” says Elke Wauters, communications officer for the local police zone. “Exactly what happened, and who is behind the arson, will become clear as the investigation continues.”
Irresponsible against backdrop of French wildfires
Haacht mayor, Steven Swiggers, described the arson as “completely irresponsible”. “You only have to look at southern Europe to realise that the consequences of such a fire are incalculable,” he says. “Not only for nature, but also for neighbouring agricultural areas and homes. It makes you wonder what such an individual is trying to achieve by undermining public safety in this way.”
Swiggers reiterates the police’s call for extra vigilance. “We ask anyone who notices suspicious behaviour near nature reserves or woodland to contact the police as soon as possible, for as long as the drought persists,” he concludes.