Beginning this year, the annual prohibition of fires and vehicular access to forest and agricultural areas has become a fixed period, from June 1st to October 15th, and will not be published each year as was previously the case.
The prohibition order is aimed at reducing the risk of forest fires through negligence during a period when weather patterns present a high risk of fire.
There are restrictions on the burning of natural vegetation, industrial, forestry and agricultural waste, and it is it is forbidden to light fires for the purpose of food preparation, including in camping or recreation areas, even if those areas provide such facilities.
Any exceptions, such as the use of barbecues in tourist accommodation, licensed restaurants in rural areas or the preparation of food in children’s camps, are only permitted with the express permission of the Department of the Environment.
Motorised entry to forest areas is restricted to vehicles accessing industrial areas, servicing energy pipelines or for those involved in traditional pilgrimages.