Massive dune fire under control
Tuesday 03 May 2011
The large heath fire in the dune region near Schoorl, north west of Amsterdam has been brought under control, according to media reports on Tuesday.
Some 160 fire officers and helicopters were involved in tackling the blaze, and will remain on duty dousing the flames on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, two men aged 19 and 20 who were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the fire have been released from police custody.
They were picked up smelling of smoke and with soot traces on their faced and hands. The two were helping a tractor, which had got into trouble on the beach near the blaze. Two teenaged boys were earlier questioned by police in connection with the fire.
Arson
The dune area east of Alkmaar has been damaged by a number of fires since 2009 and officials suspect arsonists are to blame.
The latest blaze has destroyed some 200 hectares of dune habitat.
A number of parts of eastern and central Netherlands are also on high alert for the risk of fire following the long dry period.
© DutchNews.nl
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