For the past week, the Commune of Esch-sur-Sûre has banned barbecues and open fires on the beaches surrounding the Upper Sûre Lake due to a heightened risk of forest fires. In contrast, Boulaide, Commune Lac de la Haute-Sûre, and Rambrouch had, until now, only called on the public to act responsibly and exercise caution, with no formal ban in place.
This has now changed, with new unified rules put in place across the entire 'Stauséi' region.
On Thursday evening, the four municipalities met and agreed on an emergency regulation temporarily prohibiting barbecues and open flames throughout the region surrounding the lake.
Local officials explain that while the issue was clear to all municipalities from the outset, implementing a single regulation was not straightforward.
Boulaide Mayor Jeff Gangler highlighted that any new rule also requires practical considerations regarding enforcement. Marco Koeune, mayor of the Commune of Esch-sur-Sûre, also agreed that coordination was complex.
For this reason, the 'Stauséi Commission' convened with representatives from the police, the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), and the National Roads Administration to agree on a common approach.
The municipalities stress that there will now be more targeted patrols around the lake to monitor compliance with the barbecue ban.
In Esch-sur-Sûre, where the ban has already been in force for over a week, Mayor Mireille Welter states that the public has largely respected the rules so far. She adds that many visitors are aware of the dangers posed by fire, particularly in light of recent images of wildfires in France and Spain.
The temporary ban on barbecues and open fires will remain in place as long as the current hot and dry conditions persist and no significant rainfall is forecast. Anyone found violating the ban faces a formal report.
The four municipalities also advocate for standard on-the-spot fines, allowing immediate sanctioning of those who do not comply with the regulations.
In light of persisting logistical problems in the region, the lake region municipalities are also once again urging all visitors to use the designated overflow car parks and to strictly observe parking and other local rules during their stay.
