Extreme heat to continue on Wednesday, red alert for forest fires in place

A new yellow warning was issued by the Meteorological Service for extreme high temperatures on Wednesday.

According to the Meteorological Service’s announcement, the warning will will come into force at 11:30 local time until 16:30 and the inland maximum temperature is expected to rise to around 42 degrees Celsius.

At the same time the Forestry Department urges the public to be extremely vigilant as risk for fires remains in red alert.

The public is reminded that lighting a fire without a permit is prohibited and that it constitutes an offense which, according to the Forestry Law is punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of up to €50,000.00 or both penalties together. In addition, and according to the Prevention Fires in the Countryside Law the offender can go to jail for up to 5 years or pay a fine of up to €20,000 or both penalties together.

Lighting of fire, for food preparation, is only allowed in designated spots in the picnic areas.

The citizens are strongly urged to be extremely careful during their outings and to avoid 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 emery, oxygen welding and electric welding .

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