Fire Service Spokesman Andreas Kettis on Monday called on the public to take particular care as the hotter weather led to a greater fire danger.
“In the last three days, we have had 91 calls for help out of which 56 were related to fires. In the last 24 hours alone, we had 34 calls with 24 of those being connected to fires,” he told state radio on Monday.
“The large majority of fires during this hot period are in rural areas. But we obviously have our eye all over the island especially in forested areas,” Kettis added.
The public is reminded to, amongst other precautions, never to throw out cigarette butts out of the car, to light barbeques only in designated areas, and not to burn refuse or cleared brush unless under Fire Service supervision.
“If people see anybody doing something which they think is dangerous and could start a fire, then they must report it immediatley even if they are not sure if it is dangerous. It is always best to be better safe than sorry.”
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