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🇧🇪 Belgium /Disasters & Emergencies

Belgian Fire Department Urges Mayors to Ban Outdoor Fires Amid Extreme Dryness

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Fire Department Zone Kempen in Belgium has requested mayors to implement a fire ban due to dry conditions.
  • The department advises against making any fires outdoors, including in gardens or parks, despite current 'code orange' restrictions.
  • This measure aims to prevent wildfires and ensure public safety during the current high-risk period.

Fire Department Zone Kempen is urging mayors across its jurisdiction to enact a fire ban, citing dangerously dry conditions. The department has escalated its advisory beyond the current 'code orange' for natural and forest areas, recommending a complete prohibition on outdoor fires.

A fire seems really unwise at the moment.

— Kristof GeensExplaining the fire department's recommendation for a fire ban.

Kristof Geens, a spokesperson for the fire department, stated that even small fires are currently unwise. He explained that requests for campfires, typically handled by municipalities, should be denied. The department also wants local authorities to ban fires within their own parks and forests.

If, for example, youth movements make a request for a campfire, it ends up with the municipality. We ask not to give permission at this time. They can also implement a ban in their own parks and forests.

— Kristof GeensDetailing how campfire requests would be handled under the proposed ban.

While garden fires and fires in fire pits are technically allowed under 'code orange,' the department strongly advises against them. Geens noted an increase in calls about fires in roadside verges and gardens, emphasizing the need for extreme caution. The overarching message is clear: "Our advice is: do not make fire anywhere outside."

Our advice is: do not make fire anywhere outside.

— Kristof GeensSummarizing the fire department's strong recommendation to the public.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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