Though the rainfall for the month of October was satisfactory, there is still risk for eruption and spread of forest fires, the Department of Forests warned on Saturday, ahead of the start of the hunting season, on Sunday.
Therefore, the Department, called on hunters “to be especially careful during their outings” and avoid actions and activities that are likely to cause a fire, such as lighting bonfires or throwing cigarette butts and lit matches.
The Department recalled that, according to the Law, lighting a fire without a permit within two kilometres of the edges of state forests constitutes an offence which, is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of up to €50,000 or both, while lighting a fire in rural areas is also an offence, punishable by imprisonment of up to 5 years or a fine of up to €20,000 or both.
Lighting fires is only allowed in the designated barbecue areas of the Forestry Department picnic areas, it said.
The Department calls on members of the public, in case they see smoke or fire, to immediately call 1407 or 112.
Source: Cyprus News Agency