Major forest fire at Dutch military range brought under control

A major forest fire at a military training ground in the Netherlands has been brought under control after several days of intensive firefighting, authorities told Dutch media.

The blaze broke out on Wednesday, April 29, in the ’t Harde area during military exercises involving artillery and explosives at a training site covering approximately 500 hectares. According to the Dutch Fire Service, the fire has now been extinguished, although the Defence Ministry continues operations to prevent any risk of reignition.

Strong winds carried smoke from the fire across long distances, reaching as far as the United Kingdom. Authorities issued NL-Alert warnings in several areas, but no evacuations were deemed necessary.

The response involved firefighting units from across the Netherlands, supported by helicopters and specialised armoured vehicles designed to operate in hazardous conditions where there is a risk of ammunition explosions.

Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the fire, including an assessment of whether safety protocols were properly followed during the military exercises.

By Tamilla Hasanova