Multiple fires in De Hooiberg nature reserve in Haacht; police investigate

Police have launched an investigation into multiple fires that ignited in the De Hooiberg nature reserve in Haacht over the weekend. The quick response of emergency services, alerted by a vigilant resident, prevented the blazes from spreading significantly.

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Because the emergency services were on site quickly, the impact remained limited.

The exact scale of the fires remains unclear, but the fact that several ignition points were found in the same area is considered noteworthy by authorities. "Because the emergency services were on site quickly, the impact remained limited," stated Elke Wouters, communication officer for the Boortmeerbeek, Haacht, Keerbergen police zone. "The exact cause of the fires is currently being investigated."

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The exact cause of the fires is currently being investigated.

Wouters emphasized the importance of the resident's swift action. "We can consider ourselves lucky that a resident reacted so quickly," she said. The nature reserve is located southwest of the Haachtse Leibeekvallei, near the border with Boortmeerbeek.

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We can consider ourselves lucky that a resident reacted so quickly.

Given the current extreme dry conditions, Code Orange is in effect for the province of Flemish Brabant. The police are urging visitors to nature reserves to exercise extreme caution. "We strongly advise people not to smoke or make fires, or to let children wander unsupervised in a nature reserve," Wouters added. "Due to the dryness, such a fire can spread rapidly."

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We strongly advise people not to smoke or make fires, or to let children wander unsupervised in a nature reserve.