Forest fire prevention measures stepped up from today

THE Spanish and Regional Governments have stepped up their measures to prevent and fight forest fires now that the Summer has arrived.
From today restrictions, such as a ban on fires or barbecues in the country, will be in place in many areas.
Stubble burning is also banned from today, as is driving motor vehicles on wooded paths, amongst other things.
This mostly affects the middle and south of the islands.
Although in most of the regions the “official” campaign starts today, some regions have opted to keep the measures, and resources, in place all year.
The Spanish Ministry for the Environment will give nearly 70 million euros this year for the prevention and extinction of forest fires, and have extended the Forest Fire Brigade contracts, which will be active between June 1 and September 30.
The Government is working on the definitive details for the present campaign to prevent fires, which is expected to be presented to the autonomous regions at the Regional Environment Conference on Friday and Saturday in Tenerife; and will make some 60 aircraft available able to attend incidents in any part of the country.