On Thursday 25 June 2026, in light of the current spell of hot weather, Luxembourg’s Water Management Administration (AGE) issued a reminder to the public encouraging everyone to adopt simple everyday habits to help preserve water, and Luxembourg’s Ministry of Home Affairs issued a warning calling for vigilance in relation to the increased risk of vegetation and forest fires.
AGE highlighted that as temperatures rise, the demand for drinking water increases, whether for watering gardens, leisure activities or household use. During periods of hot weather, available water resources come under greater pressure: drinking water reserves are depleted more quickly, and rivers and streams are placed under increasing strain.
The administration noted that without significantly changing daily routines, everyone can contribute to using water more responsibly by:
• watering plants early in the morning or in the evening, when temperatures are cooler;
• choosing plants that require less water;
• collecting rainwater wherever possible;
• avoiding watering lawns, which naturally recover when rainfall returns;
• taking shorter showers;
• repairing leaks (such as dripping taps and leaking toilet cisterns);
• running water-consuming household appliances only when they are fully loaded.
AGE reminded the public that during periods of extreme heat, it is also essential to stay well hydrated, preferably by drinking tap water, one of the most strictly monitored food products.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said that as part of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, coordinated by the Directorate-General for Civil Security within the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Vegetation and Forest Fires Working Group, comprising experts from the relevant public authorities, it reminded the public of the precautions to follow during the vegetation and forest fire season.
The ministry stressed that in view of the weather conditions experienced over recent weeks, characterised by a prolonged lack of rainfall and high temperatures that have left grasslands and forests exceptionally dry, a single moment of carelessness—such as discarding a poorly extinguished cigarette or a spark caused by a vehicle—can be enough to start a fire.
The public is therefore urged to remain vigilant and act responsibly by following these recommendations:
• do not throw cigarette ends onto the ground.
• do not light fires outdoors.
• use barbecues only in designated areas and keep suitable fire-extinguishing equipment nearby (for example, a container filled with water).
• do not dispose of barbecue embers in the countryside. Wait until the embers have cooled completely before disposing of them in the appropriate facilities.
• do not drive vehicles across grasslands, fields or through forests, as both sparks and the hot underside of vehicles can potentially ignite a fire.
• do not block access to forest tracks or field access roads, so that firefighters can reach the scene quickly in the event of a vegetation or forest fire.
• as part of operational preparations for a potential large-scale vegetation fire, municipalities that have trailers or lorries equipped with non-potable water tanks are requested to ensure that these tanks are filled and ready for deployment if required. Farmers are likewise invited to fill any unused water tanks from authorised or existing water sources and make them available to the emergency services if needed.
In the event of a fire, one should immediately call the emergency services on 112. Clearly indicate the location of the fire (including the forest emergency access point, where applicable) and, upon the arrival of the fire service, direct firefighters to the appropriate access routes.
