In the Netherlands, a large forest fire near the border with Germany is proving difficult to bring under control. The flames have already engulfed about 100 hectares, a campsite was evacuated due to smoke, and train traffic on one section was suspended. This is reported by Der Spiegel, writes UNN.
Details
According to the authorities of the province of Limburg, the fire in the nature reserve near the town of Oostrum is spreading rapidly. Overnight, the area of the blaze grew from 21 to about 100 hectares.
It is also noted that about 300 rescuers fought the fire overnight. On Tuesday morning, firefighting helicopters are again planned to be deployed. The wind is constantly changing direction and fanning the flames, a spokesperson for the authorities told the ANP agency.
"Due to the drought, fire in nature reserves can spread quickly," the provincial administration said on its website. Residents were urged to keep windows and doors closed.
Large clouds of smoke are rising over the forest area between Venlo and Nijmegen. Due to poor air quality, a campsite with about 300 holidaymakers was evacuated. Germany has also warned of smoke, as the wind is carrying it toward the Kleve district in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
In addition, rail traffic between Nijmegen and Venray was suspended because of the fire, as rescuers were working directly near the tracks. Firefighters created a firebreak in the forest, and the Dutch army deployed a firefighting helicopter. The fire started in the tree crowns and quickly spread from there across the area.
As the publication notes, many European countries are currently suffering from heat, drought, and forest fires. Due to rising temperatures, the risk of large-scale blazes across Europe continues to increase.