Heat wave forces museum closures and fire‑danger alerts in Belgium and the Netherlands

In Sint‑Niklaas, Belgium, the MAP‑Curiosum museum and several municipal libraries were temporarily closed on 14‑15 July because indoor temperatures rose sharply in a historic building without climate control. The museum was slated to reopen on 16 July, while the libraries planned to resume service on the morning of 18 July.

On 13 July, the Agency for Nature and Forests in West‑Flanders raised the fire‑danger code to orange after a prolonged dry spell and low humidity increased the risk of wildfires. Authorities banned smoking, open fires and barbecues in all nature and forest areas, urging visitors to stay vigilant and report any signs of fire to emergency services.

Meanwhile, fire‑danger authorities in the Netherlands announced an orange code for all provinces, warning the public to avoid lighting fires, smoking in natural areas, and to keep children supervised. Officials also promoted the use of the 112‑app to quickly report incidents, emphasizing that rapid reporting can save lives and property.