Fire drill in Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide: 13 September

Fire brigade Zone Rand organises large interprovincial wildfire exercise on the Kalmthoutse Heide on 13 September

Indeed, the risk of wildfires continues to increase significantly in recent years. Therefore, on Saturday 13 September, Fire Brigade Zone Rand will hold a large interprovincial wildfire exercise with some 150 firefighters on the Kalmthoutse Heide. The exercise is a collaboration with the Flemish Working Group on Natural Fires, several Flemish assistance zones and Civil Protection. The aim is to improve the operational and strategic approach to natural fires in terms of cooperation, tactics, decision-making and safety.

Impact on nearby streets

No streets will be closed during the exercise, but due to the large deployment of vehicles and firefighters, there will be a lot of activity in the surrounding streets. This may lead to possible traffic disruption. Please take this into account.

Safety instructions for residents and walkers on the Kalmthoutse Heide

• Neither the area nor the footpaths are closed.
• Do not let children walk through the area unsupervised.
• Always keep your dog on a leash.
• Avoid the areas where you see activity.
• Give priority to the emergency services.

Cooperation across emergency zones

Natural fires are a growing challenge, also in Belgium. Climate change and longer periods of drought increase the risk of wildfires. Fire brigade Zone Rand is proactively responding to this by further improving the preparation and fighting of natural fires. With its vast natural areas and forested regions, it must guard against this threat. With this exercise, Fire Service Zone Rand aims to refine its internal operations, improve cooperation with external partners and test new tactics. By practising together, we are building a more robust response to wildfires in the future.

INFO: www.brandweerzonerand.be