The dune fire at Sint Maartenszee yesterday afternoon is not expected to be the last. It will get drier and drier and the temperatures will rise further in the coming days. What can we do to fight wildfires?
During the dune fire at Sint Maartenszee, an area of 200 by 200 meters went up in flames. It leaves according Robin Breeuwer, fire officer at the North Holland North safety region, see that phase 2 is only something on paper, but we also notice it in practice.
Phase 1 and 2, what exactly?
No (additional) measures have been taken in phase 1. There is vigilance for wildfires and the security region is always well prepared.
Phase 2 is different. Due to the prolonged drought, high temperatures and small chance of precipitation, there is an increased risk. A wildfire can start quickly in dry periods and strong winds. Because of the unpredictability, the fire brigade quickly takes action.
Extra caution
“Now phase 2 has arrived and there is really an increased risk of a wildfire,” says Breeuwer at the NH Radio breakfast table. “Then citizens are asked to be extra careful.” According to him, wildfires are caused 90 to 95 percent of the time by human actions.
“When we receive a report, we immediately come with a full platoon”
The security region has been warning for some time about an increased risk of this type of wildfire. “The highest level now applies. This means that when a wildfire is reported, we immediately deploy a full platoon with fire-fighting vehicles and support units.”
No open fire
“We will see this more and more often in the coming period,” is the expectation Caulker. “We are very concerned about the lack of precipitation next week. We have to prepare for nature that is becoming increasingly flammable. As a society, we have to learn how to deal with fire.”
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But how? How do we keep this manageable?
“Be careful with open fires, such as barbecuing. That is often not allowed either, so it is better to leave it alone,” says hydrologist Niko Wanders. “Don’t throw butts on the ground either. Those cigarettes can also lead to wildfires, especially in strong dry wind.”
Smoking ban
The municipality of Schagen has therefore immediately imposed a smoking ban in dune areas, forests and heaths. Until at least October 1, the smoking ban will come into effect through a local regulation.
“Throwing other things on the ground, such as plastic bottles or glass, must also stop,” says the water expert. “Never do that anyway, but absolutely not in dry areas. If the sun shines on it, it can lead to dangerous situations.”
Different landscape
In addition, caution is advised. “If you see something suspicious, report it to 112. Then the fire brigade can be there in time.”
And a different layout of our landscape. Can that help?
“Towards 2040, we will be dealing with climate here in the Netherlands, comparable to that of Bordeaux,” says Caulker. “Mixing different types of planting can help nature to offer more resistance to wildfires, and to recover faster in the event of a wildfire.”
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Duinbrand Sint Maartensvlotbrug – Inter Visual Studio
Wanders adds that different types of vegetation are indeed necessary to “make the Dutch landscape more robust against wildfires”. Furthermore, “untiling” and making the garden greener helps to further replenish the groundwater. “That is certainly important in combating drought.”
Detiling the garden does not help much in the fight against wildfires
“But”, the water expert continues, “that will not necessarily help to stop a dune fire. More greenery helps to replenish the groundwater and not the top layer. And it is precisely a dry top layer that leads to this kind of fierce and rapidly spreading wildfires .”
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