Numerous fires ignited on Wednesday and Thursday were spreading across territories designated for military exercises, including an artillery firing range, situated in the southern region.

On Friday, firefighting teams from France and Germany arrived in the Netherlands to assist in combating forest fires erupting in multiple locations.

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The majority of the wildfires, which began on Wednesday and Thursday, were actively burning on land employed for military training purposes, notably an artillery range in the south.

Dutch authorities, overwhelmed by the situation, sought assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, to which France and Germany promptly responded.

Laurent Nuñez, France’s Interior Minister, announced on X that Paris dispatched 41 civil security officers alongside 10 vehicles.

The fire department from Bonn, Germany, contributed 67 firefighters, 21 vehicles, and three trailers to support the efforts.

Major Mike Hofman, a Dutch military spokesperson, confirmed on Friday that the army’s «training grounds were being utilized when the fires started.»

He indicated that an investigation is ongoing to determine «if there is a link between military operations and the cause of the fires».

The chief of the Dutch armed forces mentioned on Thursday that heightened safety measures have been implemented on the grounds used for drills due to an ongoing drought impacting the country.

Nonetheless, he clarified that the military training activities would continue without suspension.

Additional sources • AFP