North Brabant says the Ministry of Defence must urgently revise its drought protocols after last week’s wildfires. The province says Defence must train, especially given global tensions, yet argues that it must also prevent the risk of uncontrollable fires.
Brabant notes that it has focused on wildfire control for years. It has mapped all risk areas, and local committees have created tailored plans.
Last week, several large wildfires broke out on military grounds, including in ’t Harde in Gelderland and near Oirschot in Brabant. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee is investigating the causes. Despite the fires, General Onno Eichelsheim chose to continue Defence exercises during the drought. He said soldiers need all 365 days of the year to train.
@ANP | News Brainport
