National Wildfire Crisis Plan sent to House of Representatives
The government today sent the House of Representatives a comprehensive crisis plan for the cooperation among crisis partners in the event of wildfires or the threat of them. The risk of wildfires is increasing due to climate change. Wildfires can have major effects on the surrounding area. There is even a chance of multiple fires breaking out at the same time.
Fighting wildfires is complex and places high demands on all the various partners. Wildfires need to be controlled and extinguished but in some cases much more is needed. An at-risk area may need to be evacuated, for instance, or humans and animals may need rescuing. Ensuring that these kinds of processes run smoothly is only possible if all the partners work together closely. These partners include, for example, central government, municipalities, security regions, fire services and police forces, but also relief organisations and organisations that manage sites and nature conservation areas. With so many partners working together, it is vital to agree in advance how this will be done. This crisis plan provides for that. At the same time, the drafting of this plan revealed areas of concern for the further development of the effective combating of (large-scale) wildfires. These include improving knowledge development, supra-regional/nationwide assistance and the coordination of risk and crisis communication.
Ingrid Coenradie, State Secretary for Justice and Security:
In recent months, many wildfires have been brought under control with the efforts of the parties. Thanks to these efforts and their professionalism, large areas of nature were saved and no casualties were suffered. Wildfires are on the rise, so the danger is not over. This is especially true for the forthcoming dry period and with the summer ahead. That just shows how important this plan is.
Jack Mikkers, fire service portfolio holder on the Security Regions Council:
Wildfires will occur more frequently and increase in intensity. The likelihood of an uncontrollable wildfire is increasing. The fire service is in charge in this regard, but obviously cannot do it alone. This plan further professionalises the cooperation needed so that we are as prepared as possible when the next wildfire comes along.
The plan is part of the ambitions of the central government and security regions when it comes to strengthening the preparation and preparedness for priority risks under the National Crisis Management Agenda. Alongside the plan, a comprehensive approach to wildfire management is being developed. Prevention, mitigation and suppression of wildfires should ensure that the impact of wildfires in the Netherlands is limited. The Ministry of Justice and Security (crisis management) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (risk management) work together closely in tackling wildfires.
Originally published at https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2025/05/13/national-wildfire-crisis-plan-sent-to-house-of-representatives
