In March 2025, the Netherlands is grappling with a significant and alarming increase in wildfires attributed to persistent drought conditions. More than 80 wildfires have been reported throughout the country this month alone, marking a stark contrast to March of the previous year, which saw only nine verified wildfires.
Key incidents include a devastating fire that erupted in a nature reserve in Weert on March 20, 2025, where an area of at least 20,000 square meters went up in flames. The next day, a large forest fire spread rapidly on the Sallandse Heuvelrug, consuming a nature reserve of approximately 2,500 square meters. Notably, on March 23, two additional nature reserves in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen experienced fire outbreaks. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the pressing challenges posed by climate conditions.
According to Brian Verhoeven, a wildfire researcher at the NIPV (Nederlands Instituut Publieke Veiligheid), the dry weather has played a major role in this month's wildfire uptick. He noted, "Volgens het KNMI is het de zonnigste start van het jaar in zestig jaar tijd. Bovendien hebben we regelmatig te maken gehad met hele droge lucht en is er in maart weinig tot plaatselijk geen regen gevallen, terwijl maart en april normaal gesproken toch al de droogste maanden van het jaar zijn. Daardoor zien we dat de natuur uitdroogt en beschikbaar wordt om te branden. De droogte van nu is opvallend, maar niet uniek." (According to KNMI, this is the sunniest start to the year in sixty years. Additionally, we have repeatedly dealt with extremely dry air and very little to no rain has fallen in March, while March and April are typically the driest months of the year. As a result, we see nature drying out and becoming available to burn. The current drought is remarkable but not unique.)
The fire department has expressed concern over the unpredictability of wildfires during such dry periods, especially when strong winds are present. They warned, "Een natuurbrand kan zich in droge periodes snel en onvoorspelbaar ontwikkelen, zeker bij harde wind," (A wildfire can quickly and unpredictably develop during dry periods, especially with strong winds.) highlighting the increased risks faced by fire crews and citizens alike.
Many of this month’s wildfires are believed to have been ignited by human activity. For instance, local authorities suspect that the fire on the Vughtse Heide on March 21 was caused by young people playing with fire. This particular incident resulted in the destruction of 500 square meters of forest. The call for caution is loud and clear, as the Veiligheidsregio Limburg-Noord reminds the public: "Wees dus echt voorzichtig" (Be really careful), especially around fire usage in natural areas. Their guidance emphasizes that even a discarded cigarette could be enough to start a devastating blaze.
Further complicating matters is the history of rainfall in the region. The year 2024 experienced hefty rainfall, with an average of 986 millimeters recorded—almost 200 millimeters above normal. This contrast to the current conditions illustrates how rapidly environmental factors can change and affect fire risk. Indeed, many areas across the center, south, and northwest of the Netherlands are now under increased fire risk, prompting the need for heightened awareness among the population.
On March 24, another fire reignited in a nature reserve between Clinge and Kapellebrug. While the fire that initially erupted was largely contained, the ongoing vigilance of the fire department is a testament to how such fires can smolder and reignite even after being deemed under control. The authorities remain watchful, indicating the continued threat posed by such conditions.
In light of these events, fire departments across the country are emphasizing the importance of precautions when out in nature. The safety guidelines remind citizens that barbecuing is risky during dry spells and reinforces the need for thorough awareness and caution regarding fire use in natural settings.
As the days progress and conditions remain precarious, the Dutch communities continue to face the ever-looming threat of wildfire outbreaks. These wildfires not only endanger natural reserves but also local wildlife and the surrounding communities. As March continues, the hope is for a shift in weather patterns that could alleviate these dry conditions; however, until then, vigilance is crucial.
