Dutch authorities seek EU reinforcements as fires spread nationwide

The Dutch authorities have requested assistance from the European Union to help combat a series of wildfires that have broken out across the country over the past two days, believed to be of natural origin.

According to the national coordinator for wildfire response, Edwin Kok, the request has been submitted to the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“The request has been sent to the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre,” Kok said. He added that the Netherlands is seeking additional equipment and support from firefighting units.

Kok noted that Dutch firefighters “have been operating under extremely intense conditions for two days” and are no longer able to effectively manage the situation on their own. It remains unclear which EU member states will be able to provide assistance, with European authorities expected to assess available resources following the formal request.

Over the past 48 hours, dozens of fire outbreaks have been recorded across the country. Emergency services said preliminary assessments suggest the fires are linked to prolonged drought conditions.

In particular, fires broke out on April 29 and 30 at three military training grounds in the provinces of Gelderland and North Brabant. In one case, the blaze began during military exercises. Firefighting efforts have been complicated by the risk of ammunition detonation, while military police have launched an investigation into the causes of the incidents.

By Aghakazim Guliyev