Dutch authorities evacuate Kempen Airport as wildfires break out near military training areas
Dutch authorities evacuated Kempen Airport in the southern Netherlands after a large wildfire broke out near a military training area in Limburg province. Another fire erupted about 40 kilometers east near the German border, also close to a military site, as firefighters worked to contain both blazes. The fires follow an unusually dry April with minimal rainfall, increasing wildfire risks across the country.
- ▪The wildfire near Kempen Airport started close to a military training site in northern Limburg province.
- ▪Kempen Airport is one of the Netherlands' busiest general aviation airports.
- ▪A second fire broke out approximately 40 kilometers east near the German-Dutch border, also adjacent to a military training area.
- ▪A national gendarmerie spokesperson stated it is too early to link the fires to military activities.
- ▪The Netherlands has experienced one of its driest Aprils on record, contributing to heightened wildfire conditions.
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Dutch authorities evacuate Kempen Airport as wildfires break out near military training areasSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished Apr 30, 2026, 11:08 PMUpdated Apr 30, 2026, 11:13 PMListenAMSTERDAM, April 30 - Dutch authorities evacuated an airport in the south of the Netherlands on Thursday after a large wildfire broke out near a military training area, officials said. It is the latest in a series of blazes amid exceptionally dry conditions in the country.* The fire erupted near a military training site in the north of the province of Limburg.* Kempen Airport is among the Netherlands' busiest general aviation airports.* About 40 kilometres to the east, close to the German-Dutch border, another fire erupted on Thursday, also near a military training area.*…
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