Limburg wildfire spreads across 100 hectares overnight

The wildfire in the Boschhuizerbergen nature reserve in northern Limburg has burned through about 100 hectares overnight and is still not under control, according to authorities, who have issued an NL-Alert warning to the surrounding area.

The Limburg-Noord emergency services authority (VRLN) said the fire had spread rapidly since Monday afternoon, when the area affected was 21 hectares, broadcaster NOS reported.

A spokesperson for the VRLN said on Tuesday morning that the fire had grown further overnight but was no longer spreading. Around 300 firefighters and emergency workers are tackling it, with crews sent from across the country.

Parts of the burned area have been put out, but the fire is still going elsewhere. Authorities have not yet said when it can be fully extinguished, saying it depends on conditions.

Two military helicopters dropped water over the site on Monday but had to stop at nightfall and are due to resume on Tuesday morning.

The NL-Alert warned that people should stay out of the smoke and close windows, doors and ventilation.

That alert remains in force, and NOS reported that a new one covering a wider area was expected on Tuesday morning because the wind has shifted.

A camping site, De Oude Barrier, has been evacuated and guests taken to a nearby hotel. Drones have also been banned from the area.

No trains are running between Boxmeer and Venray. Rail network operator ProRail expects the line to stay shut until at least 6pm on Tuesday.

The fire spread quickly because the wind strengthened and temperatures were high. The Netherlands is in an official water shortage after weeks with little rain.