Strict penalties for illegal fires as public urged to exercise caution

The Forestry Department has issued a “Red Alert” for Tuesday as regards the risk of eruption and spread of forest fires, on Tuesday, according to the Department of Forests.

The Forestry Department stressed that lighting a fire without a permit is prohibited and that it constitutes an offense which, according to the Law on Forests, is punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of up to €50,000 or both. According to the Prevention of Fires in the Countryside Law, it is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment or with a fine of up to €20,000 or both penalties.

Lighting a fire for food preparation is only allowed in the barbecue pits of the picnic areas, it said.

It also calls on members of the public to be especially careful during their excursions, and completely avoid actions and activities that are likely to cause a fire, such as the use of tools or agricultural machinery that produce heat, sparks or flame, such as angle grinders and welding.

If anyone notices smoke or fire, they are asked to call 1407 (Forestry Department) or 112 (Fire Service) immediately.