Interreg

The aim of the project was to improve German-Dutch cooperation in preventing and fighting fires in nature conservation and forest areas. Through a good cooperation risks can be reduced across border, Dutch and German knowledge and experience were exchanged and shared. Based on a web-based risk analysis, the project partners in working groups, have drawn up risk management plans with a programme of measures to reduce risks and a cost plan. Along the NL-D border four risk management plans were realised in Limburg and the neighbouring German districts of Kleve, Viersen and Heinsberg (in Norhtrhine-Westfalia): Mook and Middelaar (NL), Maasduinen Midden (NL), Venlo (NL) and Grenzwald/D-NL Meinweg. The used methods for the preparation of the risk management plans can serve as a blueprint for other (transboundary) areas.

With the implementation of measures to realise compartment boundaries (stop lines/accessible for fire-fighting vehicles) and firewater intake facilities, it was possible to reduce the risk of fires. But unfortunately it could not prevent a major fire in Meinweg in April 2020. As part of the project, a larger additional water intake point was realised. Two weeks after finishing it the Meinweg fire broke out and the just realised waterintake pioint could be used by the NL fire brigade during the four days of extinguishing work.

In future, projectpartners will continue to cooperate in the fire protection of nature and forests. It is important to exchange more knowledge and know-how on the different NL and D tactics and methods for fire fighting. Regular joint exercises (in the field and in theory through table-top simulations) are of great importance for future cooperation. It will be important to investigate which innovations could lead to a faster detection of and to increase the effectiveness of (cross-border) fire-fighting operations.

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