In what has now become a permanent annual order, today sees the start of restrictions regarding barbecues, bonfires and motorised transport in forest areas during the summer months.
The restrictions affect the burning of natural vegetation, agricultural and forestry waste, as well as fire for food preparation, and include camping or recreational areas even if they are equipped for that purpose.
The restrictions run from June 22nd until October 19th 2008. The introduction of these measures a few seasons ago has apparently achieved a positive result as far as reducing the number of forest fires is concerned.
There are, of course, exceptions to the general rule and these include rural restaurants, barbecues in authorised tourist accommodation and for food preparation for children in summer camps, although prior permission still has to be obtained from the Department of the Environment.