A large heath fire has broken out on the border of the north-eastern provinces of Drenthe and Friesland in a nature reserve. A warden says an area of almost 100 hectares is on fire.

It is difficult for the firemen to get to the flames as their vehicles cannot drive over the marshy land. They are having to rely on farmers to transport equipment. The vegetation, on the other hand, is very dry allowing flames to spread rapidly.

Around 150 firemen and many local farmers have been drafted in to fight the fire.

The fire brigade in Drenthe has fought a number of heath fires this weekend. The largest was on a former Ministry of Defence firing range in Witteveld close to the TT circuit in Assen, where around five hectares went up in flames on Sunday.

The prolonged dry period has led to the fire brigade in North and Central Limburg announcing the highest level of alert 'Code Red' for fire hazard in nature areas. As a result open fires and barbeques are banned in the southern region.

(nc/imm)

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