Interministerial Assessment Cell: Fire in the High Fens (Hautes Fagnes) – stable situation and favourable outlook for Luxembourg

The Interministerial Assessment Cell met again on Tuesday to review developments relating to the fire in the High Fens (Hautes Fagnes) in Belgium and its potential impact on Luxembourg.

The situation in Luxembourg continues to improve. Concentrations of particulate matter remain low and stable, and the weather forecast for the coming days is generally favourable. Nevertheless, the authorities continue to monitor developments and air quality closely.

Wather outlook

Wind forecasts, which are a key factor in the transport of particulate matter towards Luxembourg, indicate a shift to northerly winds during the course of Saturday. These conditions are expected to persist through Sunday. From Monday onwards, winds are expected to shift to an easterly direction, which should considerably reduce the amount of particulate matter being carried towards Luxembourg and, consequently, its impact on air quality.

Air quality

Concentrations of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) currently remain low and stable, with no indication of any significant deterioration in air quality. They will nevertheless continue to be closely monitored to ensure that any changes are detected quickly.

To strengthen monitoring in the north of the country, temporary and targeted measurement campaigns were set up following the fire, with three additional stations installed to measure PM10 and PM2.5 levels. The indicative results of these measurements, together with the hourly readings from the air quality monitoring network, are available on www.emwelt.lu, providing a more detailed picture of changes in concentrations..

Favourable outlook confirmed

Based on all the information currently available, the situation in Luxembourg is considered favourable. However, if smoke or the smell of burning is detected locally, the precautionary measures communicated previously can continue to be applied, in particular keeping doors and windows closed and limiting exposure to smoke.

The Luxembourg authorities continue to monitor the situation and its potential impact on Luxembourg closely. Any new information or recommendations will be communicated through official channels as necessary.

Participating authorities:

Environment Agency; Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA); Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS); Health Directorate; High Commission for National Protection (HCPN); Inspectorate of Labour and Mines (ITM); MeteoLux; Ministry of Education, Children and Youth; Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees.

Press release by the Interministerial Assessment Cell