The major wildfire near ‘t Harde started while a military exercise was taking place at the artillery range at the location, a spokesperson for the Marechaussee confirmed. It remains unclear whether the exercise triggered the blaze, and an investigation into the cause is being handled by the Marechaussee, the branch of the military which investigates incidents involving military personnel.

The blaze broke out towards the end of the morning, but the Marechaussee could not confirm a precise time. Troops participating in the exercise were evacuated, although the number of personnel involved has not been disclosed.

It remains unclear whether the wildfire poses a risk to Defense facilities or equipment, according to the Marechaussee. The findings of the fact-finding inquiry into the cause of the fire will be released at a later date, although no timeline has been provided.

Wildfires have previously been linked to military exercises. In April last year, a blaze on heathland in Ede was traced back to a smoke grenade used by the Ministry of Defense during training. More recently, another wildfire occurred last week on a military training site between Ede and Otterlo.

A major wildfire in 2021 at the Groot Schietveld training area in Wuustwezel, Belgium, was sparked during live-fire exercises. On Wednesday, authorities halted shooting activities at the site because of elevated wildfire risk levels, according to Belgian media.

The smoke from the wildfire has spread as far as Zuid-Holland. It is visible and noticeable by smell across a wide area, including Bodegraven, Alphen aan den Rijn, Leiden, and Noordwijk.

Authorities in the Hollands Midden Safety Region advise residents experiencing a smoke nuisance to keep windows and doors shut. The Haaglanden Safety Region, covering areas such as The Hague, Wassenaar, and Delft, has likewise called on people to turn off mechanical ventilation systems.

Drivers traveling along the A4 motorway between Amsterdam and The Hague have likewise reported visible smoke and a noticeable burning smell.