Luxembourg assesses the risks of wildfires

In response to a parliamentary enquiry by MP Mars di Bartolomeo, the Ministers of Interior and Environment - Léon Gloden and Serge Wilmes - explained what steps are being taken in Luxembourg to prevent and fight grass and forest fires.

Unlike Belgium, where a detailed CERAC report was recently published, no such study has yet been conducted in Luxembourg. Nevertheless, the government is acting on the basis of analyses of past incidents and international exchanges of experience - in particular within the framework of the European Civil Protection Mechanism.

The General Directorate for Civil Security (CGDIS) has significantly strengthened its technical and organisational capacity to extinguish wildfires in recent years. Special adapted vehicles have been purchased, staff training has been improved, maps have been drawn up with routes for fire brigades and so-called "rescue points" have been created in the forests. These points help to quickly localise the fire centre.

Preventive measures and public awareness

The importance of prevention is emphasised, as the vast majority of fires are caused by human error. For this purpose, a public awareness campaign has been intensified and is regularly repeated. According to Article 5 of the new Forest Law (2023), campfires in the forest are strictly prohibited, except in specially designated areas.

At the same time, the authorities recognise the need to review forest management practices aimed at reducing the risk of fires. As part of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, a specialised group on vegetation and forest fires has been working since 2021. It includes representatives from CGDIS, the Nature and Forest Conservation Authority, MeteoLux and others. The group develops behavioural recommendations and coordinates interaction between public and private entities.