Fire Ban Period: Stiff fines for starting a fire
fires
04 Apr 2022
/ 14:54
CORFU. Fire Chief: "Our focus is on information and prevention."
Members of the public are being asked to keep alert in the summer to prevent fires breaking out. There was a press conference at Maraslio Town Hall today to help raise public awareness on the dangers of fire. Taking part were Central Corfu Mayor Meropi Ydraiou, Corfu Fire Chief Nikos Kolovos and Deputy Mayor for Everyday Life Haris Yiotis.
No complacency
The wide-ranging efforts in Corfu to raise public awareness over the last two or so years bore fruit last summer. The Fire Department and the Civil Protection Service have been visiting and speaking in individual communities, placing special emphasis on prevention and evacuation.
Nevertheless, the Fire Chief said that the fact that there were no serious incidents last year doesn't mean that we can be complacent and added, "Natural phenomena are unpredictable."
The fire ban period begins on 1 May and ends on 31 October. "During the fire ban period, it is forbidden to light fires outdoors for any reason and to do anything else that may cause a fire, Mr. Kolovos said.
"There is high risk of a destructive fire starting and spreading and for this reason there will be fines ranging from €200 to €700, depending on the level of risk," he said.
Clearing of land mandatory
Deputy Mayor Haris Yiotis said that owners and tenants of outdoor land are obliged every year to clear the land by 30 April to remove any danger of fire breaking out or spreading quickly.
Cleaning up of land
1. Cutting down and removing dry, broken trees and branches as well as any branches near to buildings (at least 3m) which could assist a fire to spread. Removing any flammable natural materials lying on the ground such as leaves, dried grass or dry twigs and branches.
2. Pruning tree crowns from the ground to ensure a diameter at breast height of approximately 1.50m and 50% of the crown.
3. Removing any abandoned flammable or explosive materials and objects lying around.
4. Collecting and removing all materials after clearing.
Authorities to step in and clean up land
If the proper measures have not been observed, the local municipality will give those responsible ten days to clean up the land.
If the deadline passes and nothing has been done, the municipality will step in to clear the land with the owner covering all expenses.
No complacency
The wide-ranging efforts in Corfu to raise public awareness over the last two or so years bore fruit last summer. The Fire Department and the Civil Protection Service have been visiting and speaking in individual communities, placing special emphasis on prevention and evacuation.
Nevertheless, the Fire Chief said that the fact that there were no serious incidents last year doesn't mean that we can be complacent and added, "Natural phenomena are unpredictable."
The fire ban period begins on 1 May and ends on 31 October. "During the fire ban period, it is forbidden to light fires outdoors for any reason and to do anything else that may cause a fire, Mr. Kolovos said.
"There is high risk of a destructive fire starting and spreading and for this reason there will be fines ranging from €200 to €700, depending on the level of risk," he said.
Clearing of land mandatory
Deputy Mayor Haris Yiotis said that owners and tenants of outdoor land are obliged every year to clear the land by 30 April to remove any danger of fire breaking out or spreading quickly.
Cleaning up of land
1. Cutting down and removing dry, broken trees and branches as well as any branches near to buildings (at least 3m) which could assist a fire to spread. Removing any flammable natural materials lying on the ground such as leaves, dried grass or dry twigs and branches.
2. Pruning tree crowns from the ground to ensure a diameter at breast height of approximately 1.50m and 50% of the crown.
3. Removing any abandoned flammable or explosive materials and objects lying around.
4. Collecting and removing all materials after clearing.
Authorities to step in and clean up land
If the proper measures have not been observed, the local municipality will give those responsible ten days to clean up the land.
If the deadline passes and nothing has been done, the municipality will step in to clear the land with the owner covering all expenses.
