The Dutch fire department is currently unprepared to handle large-scale, simultaneous, or long-term incidents like wildfires or floods across multiple safety regions or nationwide.
According to a new investigation by the Inspectorate of Justice and Security (Inspectie JenV), existing efforts to assist other regions directly compromise regular service coverage, endangering citizens and responders.
“So far, things have gone well by chance in major fires in the Netherlands,” said acting Inspector-General Liesbeth Huijzer, expressing concern that multiple simultaneous incidents could lead to firefighter exhaustion.
The Inspectorate points to fundamental shortcomings, including a lack of central direction, clear decision-making authority, and consistent procedures across safety regions.
There are also insufficient personnel, equipment, and specialized capacities, making the national readiness unpredictable despite agreements between regions to assist each other.
A 2018 vision (GBO 2.0) for a robust national fire service has been only partially implemented, highlighting systemic issues in coordination and resources.
The Inspectorate recommends establishing national conditions for large-scale operations, including distribution, financing, and quality requirements.
Crucially, a legally defined central authority for supra-regional tasks, addressing resource allocation and associated powers, is needed. An annual progress report is also expected.
The Safety Council, comprising chairpersons of the 25 safety regions, is urged to fully implement the agreed components of large-scale and specialized firefighting operations.
The challenges confronting the Dutch fire department highlight a universal truth: national emergency preparedness is a complex tapestry requiring seamless coordination and ample resources.
Across Europe, nations are continually assessing their readiness for diverse threats. The United Kingdom, for instance, recently conducted extensive drills to test its response to the malicious use of hazardous substances, demonstrating a proactive stance in critical incident management. Such exercises are vital for refining protocols and ensuring adequate resource allocation in a crisis.
Similarly, the need for rapid and coordinated action extends to aerial defense. Japan recently scrambled fighter jets in response to a presumed Chinese spy drone, illustrating how quickly diverse emergency scenarios can unfold and demand agile national responses. These incidents underscore the importance of robust frameworks for all types of national emergencies.