The risk of fire breaking out in woods and forests in the provinces of Utrecht and parts of Gelderland was raised on Tuesday morning to amber, the second highest level.

The combination of strong winds and cold, dry weather has turned trees and bushes into tinderboxes. Heath fires have broken out twice in the past few days on the Veluwe in Gelderland, reports the Telegraaf.

The fire service said on Tuesday they are treating the heath fires as suspicious having found indications of arson at the two sites.

A code yellow warning is in operation in Overijssel and parts of Noord-Holland.