Wildfire in Netherlands to take at least 6 more hours to extinguish

The wildfire that broke out on Monday in a nature reserve in the municipality of Venray, in the southern Dutch province of Limburg, remains out of control, with authorities saying that it will take at least six more hours to extinguish, reported Xinhua.

"The wildfire is not yet under control. Approximately 300 emergency workers will remain active this evening and overnight to bring the fire under control," a spokesperson for the North Limburg Safety Region said.

Dutch public broadcaster NOS, citing the safety authority, reported that it is expected to take another six to eight hours to extinguish the blaze. The fire has burned about 21 hectares, roughly one-fifth of the nature reserve.

"Due to the dry conditions, fire can spread rapidly in nature reserves," the spokesperson said earlier.

Meanwhile, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) has issued warnings for local thunderstorms and strong wind gusts in Limburg on Monday evening. A Code Yellow of high temperature warning remains in effect across the province, as well as in the rest of the country.

The fire department is battling the blaze with a fire platoon comprising multiple fire engines and support vehicles. Three military helicopters have also been deployed to assist with the firefighting operation.

No injuries or property damage have been reported, and the cause of the fire is currently unknown.