Forestry department urges public caution over Easter bonfires and fire risk

The forestry department on Monday called for a responsible approach to protecting the natural environment over the Easter period.

In a statement, the department warned that recent years have seen an increase in illegal tree cutting for use in traditional lambradjia (Easter bonfires). It stressed that the felling of any forest or tree is only permitted with prior written approval from the department, regardless of location or ownership.

No permits are issued for cutting trees intended for bonfires, it added, urging the public to immediately report incidents of illegal logging to district forestry offices or the police.

With the fire season approaching, the department highlighted an elevated risk of wildfire outbreaks and spread.

It called for heightened caution during outdoor activities, stressing that the possession and use of fireworks and firecrackers without the necessary permits is prohibited and constitutes a criminal offence.

Lighting fires in the countryside is also banned, except for food preparation in designated areas within organised picnic and camping sites.

The department further reminded the public that lighting a fire within state forests or within a two-kilometre radius of forest boundaries is a criminal offence, punishable upon conviction by up to five years in prison, a fine of €25,000, or both.

Illegal tree cutting carries penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to €5,000, or both.

In the event of smoke or fire, the public is asked to immediately contact the nearest forestry station, call 1407 (forestry department), or 112 for emergency response.