Unpleasant Smell
Did the Luxembourg authorities inform citizens early enough about the effects on air quality caused by the forest fires in the High Fens? Several deputies, including from the CSV parliamentary group, want the Home Affairs Ministry to answer that question.
The fact that an initial alert on Sunday afternoon referred only to an "unpleasant smell" caused a stir. The first notification was sent via the LU-Alert system shortly before 3pm. At that stage there was no recommendation to take steps to protect oneself from the smoke. Alain Becker, head of the Directorate-General for Civil Security at the Home Affairs Ministry, explained that the main aim had been to inform citizens rather than send them into a panic.
After an evaluation cell met on Sunday afternoon, residents were urged at around 8pm, again via LU-Alert, to keep their doors and windows closed as a precaution. Several municipalities and weather services had already issued the same advice by then.
Becker said the authorities were aware they were sometimes accused of reacting less quickly than others. Even so, he pointed out, it falls to the state to take measures that can 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. The daily threshold for fine dust had been exceeded in the Grand Duchy, confirmed by the High Commissioner for National Protection. The recommendation to keep windows and doors closed and limit outdoor activities remains in place, particularly for vulnerable groups. By Tuesday, the concentration of fine dust should ease again.
An unpleasant smell, five hours to close the windows, and a threshold already crossed.