Stories from Weerd · Netherlands

An asylum seeker center housing 1,500 people is being evacuated in Weerd as a precaution against nearby wildfires. The evacuation is being managed by the local safety region. The local safety region is managing the response alongside 20 fire vehicles. Emergency responders have deployed 20 fire vehicles to the scene. The evacuation is described as a preventative measure to ensure safety during the ongoing blaze. Edwin Kok, national Wildfire Task Force coordinator, reported that only one helicopter team is available to combat multiple large fires. Firefighters are utilizing 20 vehicles at the scene. It is currently unknown if military exercises caused the blaze. A wildfire near Weerd is expanding as flames jump between treetops aided by strong winds. Authorities are monitoring the situation as the fire spreads.

Firefighters received a report of a large heath fire in Weerd around 1:30 PM on Thursday. Pelenmaas Mayor Bob Fostermans stated the fire does not appear to be spreading further and seems to be coming under control. Firefighters from Weert and Mierlo are battling a blaze in the Heldense forests near Geuzendijk and Bulderbosdijk, west of Weert. Heavy smoke is visible from the A2 motorway. Campen Airport was evacuated due to the incident. Another fire was reported at a barracks on the Oorschotse Heide involving a 500 by 500 meter forest parcel. A previous fire occurred yesterday at the Harde defense site. Following a large fire at the Harde site, several new fires were reported today at various Dutch military training grounds. One major fire is currently being attended to in Oorschot. Previously reported fires at the Het Harde defense training ground have re-ignited at several hotspots.