The Cyprus Department of Meteorology issued a new yellow warning for extreme high temperatures on Friday, expected to reach around 42 degrees Celsius inland and 32 degrees in higher mountainous areas. The warning is valid from 11:00 until 16:00 local time. Meanwhile, the risk of explosion and spreading of forest fires will be on "red alert", the Department of Forests said. It noted that lighting a fire without a permit is prohibited and that it constitutes an offense which, according to the Forestry Law of 2012, is punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of up to pound 50,000 or both penalties together and according to the Fire Prevention in the Countryside Law of 1988 up to 5 years or with a fine of up to pound 20,000 or both penalties together. The lighting of a fire, for preparing food, is only allowed in the grills of the designated picnic areas. The Department also strongly appealed to the public to be especially careful during their outings, completely avoiding 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 electric saws, welding and electric welding. The public are urged if they notice smoke or fire to call 1407 (Department of Forests) or 112 (Fire Service) immediately. Source: Cyprus News Agency