Wildfires are becoming increasingly common in the Netherlands. Some are large and difficult to control, yet the risk is still often underestimated. According to wildfire expert Cathelijne Stoof of Wageningen University & Research (WUR), we must learn to live with fire, just as we've learned to live with water. For that, we need international expertise.
In April, the Netherlands once again faced a major wildfire, this time near Ede. Back in April 2020, fires raged for days and even led to the evacuation of an entire village. Many people were caught off guard, but these fires were not entirely unexpected. Climate change is bringing warmer, drier conditions-making wildfires more likely.
Stoof: "In north-western Europe, including the Netherlands, knowledge and preparation around wildfires remain limited. That's a dangerous position to be in. The large fires in 2020 in the Deurnese Peel and De Meinweg were a warning sign, showing that much more must be done to prevent disaster."
Why spring is so risky
Most wildfires in the Netherlands occur in spring. In summer, vegetation is typically green and moist, but in spring, plants are still dry. A few weeks without rain and a bit of wind can be enough for a fire to spread rapidly. Ongoing drought in previous years has also left much dead vegetation in natural areas.
Fortunately, most fires remain small and are dealt with swiftly. But in a densely populated country like the Netherlands, even a small fire can cause major damage. Fire can also travel through the air, as we saw during the firework sparks over Scheveningen on New Year's Eve.
Eight key steps towards better preparedness
That's why we must be better prepared, says Stoof. "We need to assess every incident: what went well, what could be improved-and more importantly, what action can we take now to prevent harm?
Wildfires are not going away. On the contrary, they are expected to become more frequent and more intense. If we wish to continue living, working and enjoying nature safely in the future, we must act now."
Here are eight essential steps the Netherlands must take:
1. Record fire data systematically
We need solid data: where fires occur, when, how often, and with what impact. Currently, data are incomplete. Fire statistics should be legally recorded, just as we do with agricultural or public health data. Only then can we track the scale of the problem.
2. Investigate fire causes
Most wildfires in the Netherlands are caused by humans-whether accidentally or deliberately. Lightning rarely causes fires here. Knowing the cause is crucial for prevention. Better public awareness and the deployment of investigative teams (which already exist, but are underused) can help identify patterns and prevent arson.
3. Consider fire risk in spatial planning
How quickly fire spreads depends on how the landscape is shaped. Fires begin on the ground, but can climb into the treetops via shrubs and low-hanging branches-creating crown fires that are nearly impossible to stop. Clearing undergrowth and creating open strips in key areas can help slow down fires.
Fire risk is not limited to nature reserves. It also affects residential areas, parks, campsites and private gardens. Anything green can burn.
4. Modernise firefighting strategies
Wildfires are very different from house fires. They move quickly, driven by terrain, vegetation and wind. In countries with frequent wildfires, specialist teams focus solely on wildfire response. They often work with handheld tools, digging firebreaks or using backburning techniques.
This approach is still new in the Netherlands, but necessary. Large fire trucks are ineffective in natural areas. Aerial support can help, but is expensive and limited by wind, smoke, heat and daylight. Investing in skilled ground crews should be a priority.
5. Improve public education and awareness
People need to know what they can do to prevent fires and protect themselves. Small steps help-clearing leaves from gutters, removing dead plants, avoiding wood chips near homes. During a fire, knowledge is crucial: should you evacuate or stay indoors?
Provide clear, science-based information to residents, schools, land managers and emergency responders. Controlled burns, conducted safely, can also be used for training and prevention.
6. Clarify responsibilities and foster cooperation
The Netherlands is globally known for its water management, thanks to strong collaboration. We need a similar approach to fire. Wildfire prevention isn't just a job for the fire brigade. Local councils, provinces, nature managers, tourism boards and insurers all have roles to play. Currently, responsibilities are unclear. Which ministry is in charge? How do municipalities and provinces coordinate? How do we work across borders when fires spread?
7. Learn from other countries
We don't need to reinvent the wheel. Southern European countries like Spain, Italy and Greece have decades of wildfire experience. Even Sweden and the UK have partnered with Mediterranean experts. The Netherlands should learn from their knowledge and apply it.
8. Learn to live with fire
Fire isn't always destructive. Some plants actually need fire or smoke to germinate. Controlled fire can help maintain healthy ecosystems and reduce fire risk by clearing excess vegetation. In the US, years of fire suppression have led to more intense blazes due to fuel build-up.
Wildfires will become more frequent-even in the Netherlands. We must prepare, adapt our landscapes and society, and learn to live with fire.
