Fire warning as temperature remains high

Outdoor activities that could cause a fire should be avoided, police said on Saturday, as temperatures could rise above 40C.

Due to soaring temperatures recorded during the summer, and given the risk of fire is extremely high, police advised the public to be particularly careful in their activities.

The public was called on to avoid outdoor work that may cause a fire, including welding or using other equipment that causes sparks or flames as well as burning dry grass. Lighting fires in forests should be done in areas designated by the forestry department, police said.

“Lit cigarette butts and matches should not be disposed out of a car window or when in outdoor areas,” the announcement added, while urging the public to contact the citizen’s line on 1460 to provide information that could help prevent a fire or clarify its causes.

The statement came after a red warning for fires was issued by the forestry department for the weekend.

According to the meteorology department, temperature on Saturday was expected to reach 39C inland, 32 to 35C around the coasts and around 29C in the higher mountains. During the night, temperatures will drop to around 24C to 25C inland and around the coasts while 21C in the higher mountains.

No significant change will be recorded on the weather on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday which will be mostly clear and remain above the average values for the period.