The risk of forest fires breaking out and spreading will be at "Red Alert" level on Sunday, 16 August 2026, the Forestry Department has announced.
A legal warning
The Department stressed that causing a fire, under both the Forests Law and the Prevention and Extinguishing of Fires in the Countryside Law, constitutes a criminal offence carrying strict penalties.
What the public should avoid
The Department issued an urgent appeal to the public to exercise particular caution during outdoor activities on days of high fire risk, and to fully avoid any actions that could potentially spark a fire. Based on standard fire-prevention guidance for red alert days, this includes:
- Lighting barbecues, campfires or any open flame outdoors, including in undesignated picnic areas
- Discarding cigarette butts on dry grass, roadsides or from moving vehicles
- Parking vehicles on dry grass or vegetation, where a hot exhaust or catalytic converter can ignite a fire
- Using machinery, welding equipment or tools that produce sparks near vegetation
- Burning agricultural waste, rubbish or garden clippings
- Leaving glass bottles or other reflective objects in areas exposed to direct sunlight
What to do if you spot smoke or fire
Anyone who notices smoke or fire is urged to act immediately:
- Call 1407 (Forestry Department) or 112 (Fire Service) straight away, giving as precise a location as possible
- Do not attempt to fight a large or fast-spreading fire alone
- Move away from the fire in a direction away from the wind and away from dense vegetation, towards open ground or a road
- If driving, do not stop in an area surrounded by dry vegetation; continue to a safe, open location before calling for help
- Alert others nearby, including hikers, residents or fellow visitors, so they can also move to safety
- Follow any instructions issued by the Forestry Department, Fire Service or Police once they arrive on scene
