Nicosia: The risk of forest fires breaking out and spreading will be at "Red Alert" level on Saturday, due to the large numbers of people expected to head to forest areas for the August 15 holiday, the Department of Forests said in a press release.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Department issued a strong appeal to members of the public planning to visit forest areas to exercise particular caution and completely avoid actions and activities that could cause a fire.
In particular, it urged the public to refrain from lighting fires, using electrical tools that produce sparks or flames, and discarding cigarette butts or lit matches. The Department of Forests stressed that lighting a fire for the preparation of food is permitted only at designated barbecue facilities within picnic sites.
It also pointed out that causing a fire constitutes an offence under the Forest Law and the Prevention and Extinguishing of Fires in the Countryside Law and carries severe penalties. Anyone who notices smoke or fire is urged to immediately call 1407, for the Department of Forests, or 112, for the Fire Service.