Filenews 11 April 2023
No permission will be given to cut down trees to be used for lighting "Labratzias", the Department of Forests announced on Tuesday, noting that illegal felling of trees is punishable by a fine of up to €5,000 and/or imprisonment.
The Department of Forests, in a statement, also notes that the risk of explosion and expansion of fires is real, so everyone's attention is required.
As mentioned, the Department of Forests of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, along with wishes for a Happy Easter, wishes to remind the public that, because illegal logging of trees has been observed in recent years, with the intention of burning them in the traditional "Labratzia", such actions constitute an offense.
It is reminded that for the felling of forest and some ornamental trees, wherever they are, the written permission of the Department of Forests is required. It is emphasized that "no permission will be given" to cut down trees for use in "Labratzia". According to the Forest Law, illegal felling of trees is punishable by a fine of up to €5,000 or imprisonment of up to one year or both penalties. "Local authorities, organized groups and sensitized individuals are called upon to immediately report any incident of tree felling to the local forest offices or the police, so that it can be investigated and the offenders prosecuted," the statement said.
The Department of Forests also notes that, although the grasses have not completely dried and temperatures are relatively low, the risk of explosion and spread of fires is real, "so everyone's attention is required". Particular attention is required from owners of holiday homes near forest areas as well as farmers in their various activities both in holiday homes and in the countryside in general, it said. The use of fire and tools or agricultural machinery that produce sparks or flame should be avoided, it added, while throwing lit cigarette butts or matches during outdoor and forest traffic is prohibited.
It is emphasized that lighting fires anywhere in the countryside is prohibited – except for the preparation of food within the specially permitted and arranged areas located in organized picnic and camping areas. Lighting a fire within state forests or within two kilometres of its outskirts is an offense which, according to the Forest Law of 2012, is punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to €50,000 or both, it said.
In addition, the public is urged to avoid cutting or uprooting wildflowers and shrubs, as many of them are endemic or threatened with extinction and are therefore strictly protected.
Finally, anyone who notices smoke or fire, in or near the forest, is kindly requested to inform without any delay the nearest Forest Station or call 1407 (Department of Forests) or 112.
