Civil Protection warns of heightened wildfire risk during heatwave
Public urged to avoid lighting fires, discarding cigarette butts and parking on dry grass after crews tackle several countryside fires
The Civil Protection Department has urged the public to take extra care to prevent outdoor fires as the ongoing heatwave significantly increases the risk of grass and countryside blazes.
The warning comes after a number of grass fires in recent days with the department pointing out crews had to work “tirelessly” in extreme heat to protect lives, property and the environment.
“Behind every fire are firefighters working in extreme heat and exceptionally demanding conditions,” the CPD said in a social media post on Monday.
The CPD appealed to the public to help reduce the risk of fire by not discarding cigarette butts from vehicles or onto the ground, avoiding lighting fires or burning garden waste, and disposing of rubbish responsibly.
It also urged landowners to clear dry grass and overgrown vegetation where it is safe to do so, warned motorists not to park on dry grass because hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation, and asked people not to leave glass bottles or other litter in the countryside.
Anyone who spots smoke or fire should call 112 immediately and, if it is safe to do so, provide the exact location, the department said.
“Every preventable fire puts lives, property and the environment at risk,” the CPD said.