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🇧🇪 Belgium /Culture & Society

No campfires for youth movements in Limburg due to code orange: 'The best moments are around that fire'

From VRT NWS · (8m ago) Dutch Critical tone

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Due to 'code orange' fire risk warnings in Flanders, campfires are banned for youth movements camping in Limburg.
  • This prohibition prevents a cherished tradition for many young scouts, impacting the atmosphere of their outdoor experiences.
  • Youth groups are exploring creative alternatives, such as LED lighting or even simulated campfires, to maintain evening activities despite the restrictions.

The announcement of 'code orange' for fire risk in Flanders has cast a shadow over the traditional campfire experience for youth movements camping in Limburg. This precautionary measure, aimed at preventing potential wildfires in the current dry conditions, means that campfires are now strictly prohibited. For many young scouts and guides, the campfire is more than just a source of warmth; it's the heart of their camping experience, a central point for bonding, storytelling, and singing.

The best moments are always around that fire, but unfortunately, we will have to accept it.

— Toon SchelkensAdult supervisor at Scouts Zevensprong, expressing disappointment over the campfire ban.

Scouts like Toon Schelkens from Scouts Zevensprong in Kalfort, Puurs, express their disappointment, noting that "the best moments are always around that fire." While they understand the necessity of the ban due to the dry weather, the absence of this central activity is a significant blow. The possibility of even barbecuing is uncertain, forcing groups to rethink their evening plans entirely. This situation is not new for youth movements, who have increasingly faced similar cancellations of campfire traditions during summer camps.

We will still make it a cozy evening, without a campfire.

— Toon SchelkensAdult supervisor at Scouts Zevensprong, indicating their group's determination to have a good time despite restrictions.

However, resilience and creativity are shining through. These young groups are not letting the ban extinguish their spirits. They are adapting by finding innovative solutions, such as using candles in stone pots or even constructing mock campfires illuminated by LED lights, as one group did to recreate the ambiance on their final evening. Municipalities like Zutendaal are actively involved, providing guidelines and emphasizing fire safety. While the municipality can issue and revoke permits, their primary role is to warn associations and encourage them to prepare alternative activities. This situation highlights the delicate balance between enjoying traditional activities and ensuring public safety in the face of environmental challenges, a concern that resonates deeply within our communities.

We wanted something that looked like it on the last evening.

— Toon SchelkensAdult supervisor at Scouts Zevensprong, explaining the motivation behind building a simulated campfire.
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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