Stories from Netherlands

The municipality of Tessel has decided to cancel the traditional regional bonfires scheduled for tomorrow. This decision was made due to drought conditions and an increased risk of wildfires in the area.

A portion of a natural fire in De Harde, Netherlands, is now under control. Helicopters are currently using water buckets to extinguish the fire, and fire departments from other regions are providing assistance. There is currently no indication that the fire is worsening. Authorities are investigating if the fire was caused by military exercises. Smoke from the blaze was visible as far as England, but air quality measurements do not currently require evacuations. Emergency crews will continue digging trenches throughout the night to create natural fire barriers. Crews worked through the night to dig trenches to create barriers. Firefighters are working through the night to extinguish a natural wildfire in De Harde. Firefighters are still working to extinguish remaining hotspots across the extensive area. The weather in the region is expected to remain dry with sunny conditions.

Hundreds of firefighters are currently battling a large fire at a military training ground in Harde. The fire was large enough to be smelled across much of the country. The Mayor of Nunspeet stated that the municipality is prepared for a potential evacuation of residents to Elburg if the fire spreads. The Mayor has requested that citizens do not approach the site to allow emergency services to work. A large fire broke out at a military training ground in Nunspeet on the Veluwe. Residents were prepared to evacuate the area, though a full evacuation was not required. Firefighters are expected to continue extinguishing the blaze throughout the night. A strong smell of smoke remains in the Nunspeet area. The fire required 150 personnel and five helicopters from the Ministry of Defence to manage.

A large wildfire broke out in the Veluwe region of the Netherlands, producing smoke clouds visible as far as South Holland. Nearly 400 firefighters are currently working to extinguish the blaze. The operation includes the use of five military helicopters.

A large group of rooks is causing sanitation problems in the Keuk area near the border of Limburg and Brabant. Residents report that bird droppings are covering surfaces, including parked vehicles. One local noted that cars must be washed nearly twice a week due to the issue.

KPN reported a revenue decline of more than 14 percent within its business division serving large corporations. This drop in the business sector has significantly lowered the company's total quarterly revenue. Despite this, the company added 10,000 households to its fiber optic network, bringing the total to 5.9 million Dutch households. KPN shares rose 5 percent after the company indicated it expects to rectify recent financial setbacks in the coming quarter. The company maintains its expectations for the current year despite recent disappointments. The broadcaster noted that the travel platform has seen a loss in bookings due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The municipality of Breed-Agaat is investigating a local intersection following a vehicle incident on Monday night. A 23-year-old man drove a vehicle through a garden wall, which a resident reported was not an isolated occurrence.

Europol reported that youth are being specifically recruited for online violence via social media.

A severe natural fire has closed the A28 highway in both directions between Harderwijk and Weesep. The A20 highway is also experiencing disruptions between Schiedam and Gouda. Drivers are advised to use the A1 and A50 via Apeldoorn to bypass the affected areas.

A natural wildfire near Hard is expected to be under control within hours, according to the safety region. The fire started this afternoon on a military training ground, though the exact cause remains unclear.