29/05/2013 00:00
TW
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Palma.—Last year was one of the worst for two decades in Majorca for forest fires with many of them sadly the result of pyromaniacs.
However, this year's new campaign will continue until at least October 15, weather conditions depending, and extra attention is going to be paid to prevention.

This summer, the Palma Fire Brigade is going to be patrolling 16 rural and urban routes which they consider high risk forest fire hot spots.
The three brigades that make up the Palma force will be patrolling these routes throughout the day, every day, until the island's fire fighters are told to stand down from forest fire duties.

The new urban routes are Son Quint, Son Gual, Es Pil.lari, Bellavista, Ses Cadenes while the new rural routes are Son Oliver and Santa Jordi.
These have been added to Bendinat, Coll de sa Creu, Son Muntaner, Mola de Sarria, Son Vida, Bellver Castle and Canya.
This year, Palma Fire Brigade will also have the support from special Local Police trial bike units and their primary objective is to look out for pyromaniacs in areas of restricted or difficult access.

Civil Protection is also involved in the campaign as is the Guardia Civil's Nature Protection unit and the Forestry Commission. But, what the police chief stressed yesterday is that the help and support of the general public is vital.

Any one spotting anything suspicious should immediately contact the 112 emergency centre and all leads will be followed up as part of the prevention campaign.