Investigation: explosives exercise behind wildfire at 't Harde military site

The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMAR) says the wildfire that started on April 29 at the Artillery Shooting Range (ASK) in 't Harde was caused by a training exercise involving explosives. The conclusion is based on a factual investigation into the incident. Authorities found no evidence of criminal activity.

The KMAR reports that the fire originated during a scheduled training exercise involving the detonation of ammunition. “The investigation shows that the unit correctly submitted a request for the exercise and that the demolition plan had been approved beforehand by the relevant authorities at the ASK,” the Marechaussee stated.

Investigators say the most plausible explanation is a technical combination of factors. During the detonation of the mines, it is likely that extremely hot particles were ejected from the blast area, including fiberglass remnants from older mines and debris from used incendiary flares.

Drone recordings of the exercise show that multiple fires broke out around the blast area immediately after the detonation. The KMAR states that, under certain conditions, the fire then spread “very rapidly into a large wildfire.”

The report marks the conclusion of the factual investigation conducted under the supervision of the Oost-Nederland Public Prosecution Service office. The results will be passed on to the Ministry of Defense, which may use them to review and adjust existing protocols and procedures.

The Marechaussee is currently still investigating three additional fires that recently occurred on military training areas. One of them broke out on April 21 at Ederheide. Two further incidents, both on April 30, are being examined at Oirschotse Heide and Weelterheide.