Major Fire at Military Training Ground in the Netherlands: Highways Closed, but Trains and Flights Continue

Due to heavy smoke after the fire at the military training ground ‘t Harde’ in the Netherlands, several roads were closed, including the important A28 highway. However, rail and air traffic continue to operate in general, despite the challenging situation.

In the Netherlands, a major fire broke out at the military shooting range ‘t Harde. The fire spread over approximately 2200 meters. As of now, part of the blaze has been brought under control. The final extinguishing efforts may take several more days. This was reported by NOS, as noted by bb.lv.

Footage captured by firefighters shows how intense the flames were.

Edwin Kok, the national coordinator for wildfire management at the Dutch National Institute for Public Safety, previously described the incident as "exceptionally large fire." It was visible even from The Hague, and the smell was felt in many regions of the country.

Ministry of Defense Exercises

The causes of the fire remain unclear. At the time the fire started, exercises by the Ministry of Defense were taking place at the range. According to preliminary data, the fire may have ignited during the exercises, but the possibility of a glass shard or a discarded cigarette butt is also not ruled out. The Royal Military Police is conducting the investigation.

At the ‘t Harde’ range, military personnel practice the use of various types of weapons and weapon systems. On that day, the program included shooting with firearms and machine guns, the use of cannons, as well as work with explosives.

Additionally, military firefighting service training takes place on the range. These are intended for situations where civilian firefighters cannot handle the blaze.

Close Windows and Doors

Residents have been advised to stay away from the fire zone, close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation systems.

The Air Force deployed three transport helicopters equipped with water bags. They fill them with water from nearby bodies of water and drop it over the fire hotspots.

Due to limited visibility caused by the smoke plume, the Rijkswaterstaat service decided to close the A28 highway between ‘t Harde and Wezep in both directions.

The fire has also affected air traffic. According to a representative of the Dutch air traffic control service, pilots requested permission to bypass or fly over the smoke zone. Since the smoke did not create dangerous conditions, flights continued as usual.