Firefighters still cannot estimate when they will control the wildfire near Venray in Limburg. Weather conditions remain fairly favourable today, according to a safety region spokesperson.
Temperatures will reach 30 degrees Celsius, but the wind direction remains steady from the south-east. This makes firefighting easier. A changing wind forced firefighters to adjust their positions constantly yesterday. Strong winds and thunderstorms threatened the area on Tuesday evening, but the severe weather did not arrive. The fire remains within the containment lines and is not spreading.
Firefighters must keep their distance from the flames due to unexploded wartime ammunition. They are only extinguishing the fire from designated paths as a precaution. The spokesperson stated that this limitation does not hinder their efforts, as crews can still reach the flames from the containment lines. The military explosive ordnance disposal unit (EOD) has joined the operation to assess Second World War munitions in the area.
Officials only called in the EOD on Tuesday evening. Extreme heat previously prevented teams from entering the dense terrain, so no immediate need existed. Firefighters are now advancing deeper into the area, where unmapped explosives may still lie.
Fire crews from across the Netherlands are assisting the local teams. The safety region confirmed that this national effort will not compromise emergency response elsewhere. Authorities follow a structured plan to ensure all regions retain sufficient personnel and vehicles.
@ anp | NEWS BRIANPORT
