By highlighting four key prohibitions and issuing warnings to the public to prevent wildfires, the Fire Department «kicks off» the 2026 fire prevention season, which began today, May Day, with the aim of informing and raising awareness to prevent fires in forests, wooded areas, grasslands, and agricultural lands, as well as in parks and green spaces in cities and residential areas, areas with special protection status, as well as other areas located near them and on vacant lots—fires that have plagued and «impoverished» our country in recent years.
These observations are part of a broader prevention effort, which forms the basis of the ministry’s planning, but they are also supported by recent official data showing that a very large number of fires are caused by human activities in the countryside, which, among other things, results in arrests and heavy fines for violators—fines that can reach up to 50,000 euros—while arsonists face felony charges.
Specifically, as part of this public awareness «campaign,» aimed at ensuring a less devastating year, the Fire Department notes that, based on an analysis of statistics to date, a significant number of fires have been caused by outdoor activities and work involving lighting, the use and maintenance of open flames, the performance of hot work, and the use of devices that produce sparks, fireworks, or firecrackers.
By way of example, it should be noted that as of January 1, 2026, more than 174 administrative fines have been imposed and 35 arrests have been made for violations of fire prevention regulations in forest, agricultural and related areas, as well as on private plots, several of which resulted in wildfires.
To prevent wildfires, please note that:
– It is prohibited to burn plant debris (prunings, crop residues, dry grass, etc.), trash, and, in general, the use of open fires outdoors, regardless of the risk index.
– Hot work is prohibited when the risk index is category 3 (high), category 4 (very high), or 5 (alert status), as well as on other days unless the prescribed precautionary measures, terms, and conditions are followed. Hot work is defined as work that produces sparks or involves an open flame or heat, such as electric welding, oxy-fuel welding, cutting, grinding, the use of a flame or electric arc, as well as the use of equipment that generates heat, a flame, or sparks.
– It is prohibited to set off fireworks outdoors when the fire danger index is in category 3 (high), 4 (very high), or 5 (alert status), as well as on other days without complying with the prescribed precautionary measures, terms, and conditions.
– Smoking bees is prohibited when the risk index is category 4 (very high) or 5 (alert status), as well as on other days without complying with the prescribed precautionary measures, terms, and conditions.
In a statement, the Fire Department informs the public that further information regarding prohibited and/or permitted (under certain conditions) actions, activities, and work—provided that fire safety measures are taken—is included in Fire Service Order No. 9/2024 (Government Gazette B, No. 2387).
The announcement emphasizes that failure to comply with the provisions set forth above will result in heavy administrative fines of up to 50,000 euros, in accordance with the provisions of Fire Service Regulation No. 19/2024 (B’ 2550).
Furthermore, it should be noted that the new Penal Code expressly prohibits the keeping of a fire, performing hot work, and using devices that produce sparks or fireworks in forests, wooded areas, parks, groves, grasslands, and agricultural areas on days when the risk index is 4 (very high) or 5 (alert status); violators are subject to imprisonment for at least one year and a fine of at least 10,000 euros.
If any of the above actions result in a serious fire, the person responsible will be prosecuted for a felony.
Furthermore, under the new Penal Code, arson is punishable by imprisonment or a prison sentence without probation and without the possibility of commutation, as well as a fine of up to 200,000 euros.
The Fire Department also emphasizes that preparatory acts are likewise punishable as felonies, while in cases of arson in forests that resulted in a fire causing death or serious bodily injury, or that spread over a large area, the property or part of the property of the perpetrator may be confiscated at the court’s discretion.
«Prevention is a key factor in protecting human life, property, and the natural environment, and all citizens are called upon to demonstrate a heightened sense of responsibility. Compliance with these measures is everyone’s obligation,» emphasizes the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
In conclusion, it states that in the event of a fire or if smoke is detected, citizens must immediately notify the Fire Department by calling 199 or 112.
