Current and forecasted weather conditions, combined with dry vegetation, significantly increase the risk of natural fires throughout the Province of Namur. In this context, the Governor adopted a "drought" police decree on September 25, 2026, aimed at reducing this risk. It is applicable across the entire province until October 1, 2026.
This decree prohibits several potentially dangerous activities. Notably, lighting an open-air fire in forests, fields, meadows, embankments, gardens, and other natural areas is forbidden. The use of barbecues or any other wood or charcoal-fired cooking device in public areas is also prohibited, unless prior authorization is obtained from the Bourgmestre after a risk assessment in consultation with the emergency services.
Campfire fires are prohibited, except for cooking fires organized within youth camps. It is also forbidden to smoke in the woods and forests of the Province of Namur and to use a thermal weed burner, except for professionals responsible for maintaining green spaces and public areas. Discarding objects or materials likely to cause a fire, such as glass or burning items, is also prohibited. The use of fireworks requires authorization from the Bourgmestre after a risk assessment.
Cooking fires authorized in youth camps must be exclusively for meal preparation, lit only for the necessary cooking time, conducted away from direct contact with the ground, and constantly supervised by an adult until completely extinguished.
