Wildfires
Risks and causes
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What can you do?
BEFORE
- Find out about the fire danger and the colour code (green, yellow, orange, red) at https://www.natuurenbos.be/waarschuwingen , Wallonie.be or on the website of the municipality or nature reserve.
- Respect the regulations and directives displayed at the edge of a natural area.
- Do not block forest paths or trails with your car.
- Do not smoke in forests or natural areas, and do not start fires such as barbecues or campfires.
- Do not throw cigarette butts in nature, not even from your car window.
- Do not park your car in tall grass. The grass could catch fire if it comes into contact with your exhaust pipe. Be careful when working with tools that emit sparks or fire (such as disc grinders) in close proximity to nature.
- Always take a mobile phone with you when you go into a forest or natural area.
DURING
Do you live near a forest or natural area?
- Call 112 immediately if you notice a fire or if someone is in danger.
- Close doors and windows.
- Never evacuate on your own initiative. Wait for the recommendations of the authorities.
- Turn off electricity and gas when you leave the house.
Are you in a forest or natural area?
- Find shelter.
- Follow the existing paths away from the fire or smoke column. If possible, walk perpendicular to the direction of the wind.
- Escape towards a public road, a large paved area or a built-up area.
- Help others get to a safe place.
- Call 112 as soon as possible or use the 112 app. Try to communicate your position as accurately as possible. To do this, use recognisable landmarks, such as paths, moors, watchtowers, car parks, etc.
- Do you not have a mobile (connection)? Evacuate as quickly as possible and warn anyone you come across.
AFTER
- Do not enter the area without permission from the emergency services.
Impact and probability
The figures relating to probability and impact describe a large-scale wildfire. The BNRA theoretically describes such a scenario as follows:
- A serious wildfire damages between 50 and 500 hectares in a natural area, where there are few visitors (≤ 1000 per day).
- The fire threatens one or two residential or recreational areas. How should you interpret these results?
How should you interpret these results?
Within the BNRA, experts assessed three scenarios for each risk: considerable, major or extreme. On each page, you will find the results of the scenario with the highest score based on the combination of likelihood and impact. This does not mean that this scenario will occur or is the most likely. Read more here about how to correctly interpret the results.
Probability
Strong
Human impact
Weak
Societal impact
Weak
Environmental impact
Weak
Financial impact
Weak
What do the authorities do?
The Agency for Nature and Forests and WPS Environment monitor the risk of forest fires on a daily basis. In the event of heightened danger, they take the necessary measures in consultation with the fire service, e.g. by setting up fire towers, prohibiting access to an area, etc.
In the event of a forest fire, the local and provincial authorities trigger their general emergency and intervention plan, or a specific emergency and intervention plan for forest fires.