Large Fire Rages in Purmerbos Nature Reserve near Purmerend, Fire Brigade Uses Fire Whips to Combat Flames

A large fire is raging in the Purmerbos nature reserve near Purmerend. The fire brigade is present with several vehicles. According to the fire service, there are several fires in the grass of the forest.

“It concerns several loose fires in the grass,” explains the spokesman for the fire service. “It’s not in the trees.” It is still unclear how many fires are involved, but the fire is still spreading.

The fire is now being mapped out in collaboration with a police helicopter. According to the spokesman, there is little smoke and little nuisance for the neighborhood. However, the Purmerbos has been evacuated for safety reasons and the fire brigade emphasizes to stay away. As far as is known, no one was injured in the fire.

Fire whips

The fires are now fought with so-called fire whips. This is a tool with a handle, with spring-shaped metal strips attached to it in a fan shape. This allows the ground to be turned up, preventing the smoldering fire from flaring up again.

“We need a lot of hands,” said the spokesman. That is why we quickly scaled up to a very large fire. This is also due to the heat protocol. “Then we switch to a large fire faster so that we can place several firefighters with these warm temperatures.”