ALARM FOR FIRES - THE USE OF WELDING/TOOLS THAT CREATE A SPARK IS PROHIBITED BY DECREE WITH A WARNING FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY - Filenews 24/4
In an effort to protect the Cypriot countryside from the fiery nightmare, the Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, put in place a strict framework of restrictions from today.
With the Decree (K.D.P. 195/2026), which was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic, the use of tools that cause sparks or heat now becomes a criminal offense under certain weather conditions, with penalties reaching up to five years in prison.
The Decree leaves no room for misinterpretation. The ban comes into force automatically during the period June 1 to September 30 of each year, as soon as the Department of Meteorology issues:
• Orange or red warning for extremely high temperatures.
• Yellow, orange or red warning for strong winds of at least 7 Beaufort.
The ban is valid from the moment the warning is published on the website of the Department of Meteorology and lasts until its expiration.
In the areas covered by the warnings, it is expressly prohibited to use:
1. Tools for cutting or welding metals (emery, welding, etc.).
2. Machinery or apparatus that generates heat, flame or spark.
The use of the above is allowed only in urban areas, industrial/craft zones and critical infrastructure, provided that enhanced fire protection measures are taken.
The government is sending a clear message of zero tolerance, as the penalties provided for are crippling for those who endanger the environment and citizens' property. Specifically, a person who violates the Decree is guilty of an offence and, if convicted, is subject to a prison sentence not exceeding five years or a fine not exceeding €25,000 or both of these penalties or an out-of-court fine of €250 to €2,000 depending on the period of the offense.
The publication of the Decree today, April 24, gives the necessary time to inform the public before the official start of the dangerous period in June. The District Officers will now have the first say in the suggestions to the Minister, while the Police and the competent authorities are expected to intensify controls in the countryside for the faithful implementation of the new law.
