Natural fires

A wildfire is a natural area, such as a forest area, moorland, dune area or moorland that is on fire. Forest fire is the best known form of wildfire because it is the most intense and visible form.

Within our municipality we have a large contiguous nature reserve called the Stippelberg nature reserve.

Fact sheets

Natural fire phase

The fire department and nature organizations work with two wildfire phases to indicate in which risk phase the chance of wildfire is. Phase 'regular risk' (1) is as always: be careful with fire in nature. In phase 'extra alert' (2) we ask residents and recreationists to be extra alert for the occurrence of (natural) fire. On the website of Natuurbrandrisico you can see which phase applies in your region.

Tips to prevent a wildfire

  • Be careful with open fire in or near nature. Lighting a fire basket or barbecuing is often only allowed in special picnic and fire areas or with permission of the terrain owner on ample paved or sandy ground.
  • When setting fires or barbecuing, keep fire extinguishers handy: a bucket of water, a garden hose, fire extinguisher or fire blanket.
  • Never make open fires during dry periods.
  • Do not smoke in nature, especially when it is dry.
  • Dispose of trash in the bins provided. Trash can be the cause of fire. A glass bottle that the sun shines on can act as a magnifying glass and set dry plants or grass on fire.
  • Do not park your car (with hot catalytic converter) in high and dry grass.
  • Be extra vigilant at heath and pine forest.
  • Please follow the applicable rules in the nature reserve, municipality or vacation home. Check the Nature Fire Risk website for the current risk.

On the website of the fire department you can find more information.