The Interministerial Assessment Cell met this morning to review developments relating to the fire in the High Fens (Hautes Fagnes) in Belgium. Exceedances of the daily information threshold for particulate matter (PM10) had already been recorded abroad on Saturday, 15 August, while this threshold had not yet been exceeded in Luxembourg at that time. However, concentrations increased over the course of the evening, and the PM10 daily mean value has now also been exceeded in Luxembourg. The precautionary measures recommended yesterday should therefore remain in place.

Smoke and a smell of burning may still be noticeable locally in several parts of Luxembourg. The fire is also having a temporary impact on air quality.

Smoke from the fire in the High Fens has led to an increase in particulate matter concentrations in Luxembourg.

The alert threshold for PM10 has been exceeded today, Monday, 17 August. Concentrations are expected to decrease gradually from Tuesday onwards. However, there remains a local risk of the daily mean value of 50 µg/m³ being exceeded.

Following the high levels recorded over the weekend and at the beginning of this week, the situation is expected to improve gradually over the coming days. Elevated concentrations may nevertheless still be recorded locally.

The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will issue further recommendations if necessary.

Smoke and particulate matter being carried towards Luxembourg are expected to decrease gradually. Weather forecasts indicate a marked shift towards north-westerly to westerly winds from tomorrow morning. Winds will subsequently become westerly to south-westerly, with these conditions expected to remain in place until at least Thursday.

This change should help disperse the smoke and gradually reduce its impact on Luxembourg. However, a smell of burning or traces of smoke may still be noticeable locally over the coming days.

The Luxembourg authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have stepped up surveillance in coordination with the Belgian authorities and the relevant services. Changes in weather conditions, particularly wind direction and speed, remain a key factor in the dispersion of smoke over the coming hours.

As a precaution, the recommendations issued yesterday remain in place for anyone who notices smoke or is affected by the smell of burning:

Adjust these recommendations according to the situation: if it is very hot indoors, remember to drink regularly and take steps to prevent your home from overheating. Ventilate your home when outdoor conditions improve.

Vulnerable people are advised to take extra care, as they may be more sensitive to the effects of smoke and particulate matter. If they experience symptoms or breathing difficulties, they should contact their GP.

The following measures can also help improve air quality:

When outdoor conditions permit and the smell of burning or smoke has diminished, ventilate indoor spaces again. However, smoke and odours may recur locally depending on changes in weather conditions and wind direction.

To enable the public to follow developments, hourly mean concentrations of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) measured in Luxembourg are available online:https://environnement.public.lu/fr/loft/air/mesures/mesures-actuelles.htmlThese values, averaged over one-hour periods, are the most recent available air quality data. The "Meng Loft" app provides values over a 24-hour period.

https://environnement.public.lu/fr/loft/air/mesures/mesures-actuelles.html- APP Meng Loft -www.emwelt.lu-www.infocrise.lu-www.lu-alert.lu-www.meteolux.lu

Environment Agency; Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA); Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS); Health Directorate; High Commission for National Protection (HCPN); Inspectorate of Labour and Mines (ITM); MeteoLux; Ministry of Education, Children and Youth; Ministry of Family Affairs, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception of Refugees.

Press release by the Interministerial Assessment Cell