Hunters warned of fire hazard ahead of shooting season

The forestry department on Saturday warned hunters not to start fires or throw cigarette butts due to the high risk of starting forest fires.

Hunting season opens on Sunday, and the forestry department has said that despite the rains in October, the risk of causing a forest fire remains high.

According to their announcement, hunters should avoid starting fires, throwing lit matches, or cigarette butts.

The department added that lighting a fire without a permit within or within two kilometres of the edges of state forests constitutes an offence which, according to the “Forestry Law of 2012,” is punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to €50,000 or both penalties together, while it is also an offence to light a fire in rural areas which, according to the law is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to €20,000 or both penalties together.

Lighting fires is only permitted on barbecues in the forestry department’s picnic areas.

Finally, the department invites anyone who notices smoke or fire to immediately call 1407 or 112.