The Netherlands gets help from Belgium, France and Germany in fighting wildfires

© picture alliance/dpa | Jens Büttner

The wildfires facing the Netherlands since Thursday are under control. They are no longer spreading, but they still need to be put out afterwards. After help from Belgium, German firefighters are now coming to help their Dutch colleagues.

Natural fires broke out in many places in the Netherlands on Thursday, including military training grounds near 't Harde, the Oirschotse Heide and near Weert. At the fires near Weert and Budel, Belgium offered its support. Now Germany and France have also offered to help the Netherlands put out the fires.

The Dutch government appealed to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). Through the mechanism, EU member states can request assistance when faced with a crisis. Justice Minister David van Weel (VVD) wrote Thursday on X: "Today, again, there are several wildfires in our country. Our firefighters are working day and night. Much respect to everyone who has contributed in recent days. We have requested international aid through the European UCPM. NL often delivers help and now for the first time is asking for it itself."

According to German media, 21 fire engines and 67 emergency workers from specialized forest fire units from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia will arrive in the Netherlands on Friday. They have gained experience fighting wildfires in southern Europe, among other places.

© picture alliance/dpa | Jens Büttner