Limburg peatlands less prone to fire than High Fens

The risk of a major fire in Limburg's peat areas, such as the Zwarte Beek Valley, is significantly lower compared to the High Fens. This reduced risk is attributed to recent interventions aimed at improving water retention and the fact that the peat in the Zwarte Beek Valley is primarily fed by groundwater.

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But the risk is never completely gone.

Lander Wantens from Natuurpunt explains that the High Fens consist of high peat, nourished by rainwater. In contrast, the Zwarte Beek Valley features low peat, which is replenished by groundwater. The different water sources result in varying compositions of organic material within the peat. This difference means Limburg's peat retains more moisture during dry spells, making it less susceptible to ignition.

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But you have that now in all nature reserves. For us, the risk of fire is fortunately not as great as in the High Fens.

Furthermore, the High Fens are a much larger area. Wantens notes that fires in more accessible areas like the Zwarte Beek Valley can be tackled more effectively. Decades of conservation efforts in the valley have focused on raising the groundwater level, increasing the area's moisture content. By removing drainage systems, the water table has been raised by 30 centimeters, which has positively impacted biodiversity and peat quality, thereby reducing fire risk.

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In the High Fens you have high peat that is fed by rainwater. We have a low peat area, which is rather fed by groundwater.

Despite recent rainfall, Wantens stresses the need for continued caution. The current summer has been extremely dry, and groundwater issues are expected to persist. While the rain has temporarily diminished the immediate fire threat, Natuurpunt remains concerned about the edges of the nature reserve. The presence of green grass and mowed areas along the walking paths indicates that the subsoil still holds significant water, a positive sign in the face of potential future dry periods.

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By removing drainage, we have been able to raise it by 30 centimeters. That has a significant effect on biodiversity and the quality of the peat. This ultimately also limits the fire risk during drought.