Brussels fire department responds twice as often to fallen trees this summer: 'No longer adapted to current climate'

The Brussels fire department has seen a dramatic increase in call-outs for fallen trees this summer, responding to nearly double the number of incidents compared to the previous year. Since the beginning of June, firefighters have been dispatched 144 times for clearing operations, a significant rise from the 75 calls recorded during the same period last summer.

Frederik Vaes of Leefmilieu Brussel (Environment Brussels) explained that certain tree species, particularly beeches, oaks, and poplars, are struggling under the current climatic conditions. "These trees are no longer adapted to the current climate, and that has an impact on leaf formation and vitality. They lose their leaves and eventually die," Vaes stated.

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These trees are no longer adapted to the current climate, and that has an impact on leaf formation and vitality. They lose their leaves and eventually die.

The heatwaves have visibly impacted the trees' health, leading to branches breaking off and posing risks. Infrabel, the Belgian railway infrastructure manager, highlighted the potential danger when trees fall onto overhead power lines. "There is 3,000 Volts on the overhead line, and if a tree falls on it, a whole safety procedure follows," said Frédéric Petit of Infrabel. This can lead to the evacuation of train passengers and requires the fire brigade to remove the tree safely.

Infrabel is urging residents living near railway tracks to take precautions, advising them to prune trees in their gardens that might hang over the tracks before they start to droop. This proactive measure aims to prevent potential disruptions and ensure safety along the railway lines.

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There is 3,000 Volts on the overhead line, and if a tree falls on it, a whole safety procedure follows.