Did the Luxembourg authorities inform citizens early enough about the effects on air quality caused by the forest fires in the High Fens? A number of deputies, including from the Christian Social People's Party CSV parliamentary group, want the Home Affairs Ministry to answer that question on Monday. The fact that an initial alert on Sunday afternoon referred only to an "unpleasant smell" caused a stir.
The first notification was sent out via the LU-Alert system shortly before 3pm. At that stage there was no recommendation to take steps to protect oneself from the smoke. The main aim, Alain Becker, head of the Directorate-General for Civil Security at the Home Affairs Ministry, explained when asked, had been to inform citizens rather than send them into a panic. Continuous updates and information were also being made available on the LU-Alert website.
At the time the alert was issued, there was no immediate danger to the public. After an evaluation cell met on Sunday afternoon, residents were urged, at around 8pm and via LU-Alert, to keep their doors and windows closed as a precautionary measure. Several municipalities and weather services had already issued the same advice.
Becker said the authorities were aware that they were sometimes accused of reacting less quickly than others. Even so, he pointed out, it also falls to the state to take measures and issue decisions that can then have real consequences for society at large, which is why it is important to take a step back and assess.
On Monday morning, an interministerial evaluation cell met again to review the situation. The daily threshold for fine dust had also been exceeded in the Grand Duchy. That was confirmed by the High Commissioner for National Protection in a press release issued on Monday afternoon. The recommendation to keep windows and doors closed and to limit outdoor activities to a strict minimum therefore remains in place, particularly for vulnerable groups. By Tuesday, the concentration of fine dust should ease again, the statement added.
The government said it would continue to closely follow developments and respond if additional action becomes necessary. An interministerial crisis unit is already in place.
Health Minister Martine Deprez and High Commissioner for National Protection Guy Bley were not available for interview. Even so, no additional patients had turned up at emergency departments with respiratory problems, the CSV minister made clear to RTL.
According to the government, the measures currently in place are considered appropriate for the present situation, and no new measures are envisaged at this stage.
There is currently no health risk, according to Dr Gil Wirtz, head of the pulmonology service at the CHL. While the pollution may cause mild symptoms such as burning eyes or a scratchy throat, he said, it would not lead to long-term lung problems. The risk would of course rise if the pollution persisted or intensified. People with chronic lung conditions in particular could develop breathing difficulties as a result.
