EMRIC Wildfires Network Day in Eupen

On 15 May last, the first network day on wildfires was organised in Eupen. We were very hospitably greeted by Mr Francis Cloth, zone commander of the Hilfeleistungszone DG.

The group of participants consisted of about 20 people from partners within the EMRIC partnership.

The presidents of the working group Sven van Oppen ( Noord-Limburg Belgium Help Zone) and Marc Vondenhof ( DG Belgium Help Zone) treated us to a great programme.

The morning focused on the work of the Emric working group on wildfires. This covered issues such as equipment and deployment methods. The need to draw up an overview of units from the three countries that could provide assistance in the event of natural fires became clear.

An explanation was also given about the training undertaken by Belgian colleagues in France. The fire brigades of Belgium have chosen to adopt the practices used in France and train its staff in the same way.

After this interesting presentation, it was up to Mr Daemen of the Service Public de Wallonie. He gave an insight into the origins and management of the landscape of the Hautes Fagnes. In doing so, he dwelt on the changes that have altered the landscape over many years. Naturally, the topic of wildfires was also discussed and together with Francis Cloth and Thomas Sprank, they looked back at the fire brigade's efforts in the event of wildfires.

At the end of the morning, Marc Vondenhof gave a short presentation on the Hawkeye project.

After lunch, it was time to get more practical. On the premises of Kabelwerk Eupen AG, participants were able to work on the deployment of a portable pump. In addition, experience could be gained with the so-called firefighting backpack and hand tools used in wildfires. The press was also present and the Belgian Rundfunk- und Fernsehzentrum der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft made a nice video report.

All in all, it can be said that it was an informative and instructive experience. Thanks to the HLZDG for the hospitality and a special thanks to Sven and Marc for organising this first Wildfires Network Day.