And that also happens. Projects are underway to ensure that the area becomes wetter. Ultimately, the intention is that plants that are now very sensitive to fire will disappear from the area. They cannot withstand wet soil. It will only take quite a few years to get there, was written earlier this year in an investigation into the Peel fire by the Wageningen University.
Until then, measures must be taken to limit the risk of wildfires. Measures have already been taken. For example, sheep graze in the area to keep pipe straws short.
Dead vegetation
The fire in the Deurnese Peel last year became so big because there was dead vegetation from several years in the area. It is very flammable. Removing dead plants every year is difficult, says Jelmer Dam, national wildfire control coordinator
Preventing a fire is almost impossible. “Then you would have to seal the area hermetically and not let people in. I don’t think that’s an option.”
There is a ray of hope. If a fire breaks out again this year, it will probably decrease. “The advantage is that the very thick package of ferns was lost in the fire in 2020. It is now a challenge to limit the build-up of fuels.”
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