The risk of fire due to the prolonged drought has triggered an appeal for caution in Brussels by the local fire brigade.
Flower boxes, plants or rubbish piling up against basement windows – anything can catch fire. According to Brussels Environment, there were already two fires in the Sonian Forest in April and May, which were quickly brought under control.
"Everything is dry and extremely parched," says fire brigade spokesperson Walter Derieuw. "Don't throw your cigarette butts on the ground, use a suitable container and make sure they are properly extinguished."
According to a KU Leuven hydrologist, Patrick Willems, "in 132 years, the Royal Meteorological Institute has never recorded so little precipitation since 1 March."
It is particularly dry in the north and west of the country. Yesterday, a code red was issued for nature reserves in the provinces of Antwerp and Limburg. A code orange is in force in the three other Flemish provinces.
In Brussels, the situation is under control, but vigilance is required. "The drought increases the risk of fire, especially in areas with many conifers and ferns," said Pascale Hourman, spokesperson for Brussels Environment.
A regional drought unit with representatives from Brussels Environment, water company Vivaqua and safe.brussels, the regional agency responsible for prevention and safety, is closely monitoring the situation.
"At present, groundwater levels are stable thanks to the rainfall of the past two years," said Hourman. In addition, spring flowers, which are still green, limit the risks.
Lighting fires or barbecues is always prohibited in Brussels parks, forests and green areas. The same applies to setting off fireworks or throwing cigarette butts on the ground.
