Mayor Nicola Fiorita has issued an ordinance relating to the burning on the production site of plant residues deriving from mowing, pruning or cleaning of agricultural funds and land and other plant materials used in agriculture. The provision is based on the premise that the current climate trend presents temperatures higher than the seasonal average which, together with the absence of precipitation, have led in the recent past to conditions particularly favorable to the starting and propagation of fires, with serious repercussions on the territory.
In the period between 15 June and 30 Septemberdeclared by the Calabria Region with DGR n° 174 of 15/04/2024 of maximum risk for forest fires – we read in the mayor’s order – it is always forbidden to practice burning in the same place of production of plant or agricultural material of all types.
In the remaining period of the year, unless otherwise indicated pursuant to article 4 of Regional Law n. 51/2017, the burning of plant residues resulting from mowing, pruning, cleaning, etc. operations is permitted in the same place of production. in full compliance with the following conditions:
1. the agricultural material and plant residues as described above must be preliminarily placed in the place of formation for the time necessary to obtain adequate drying in order to facilitate combustion and reduce the production of smoke;
2. the burning of the plant material must be carried out by grouping it in small piles and in daily quantities not exceeding three sterile meters (approximately three cubic metres) per hectare of land exclusively in the hours between 6.30 and 8.30 and between 4.00 pm and 5.30 pm, taking great care to ensure that the piles of combustion residues occupy a safe space at a safe distance from the plant material still to be burned to avoid accidental ignition;
3. Burning is always prohibited within woods and up to a minimum distance of 100 m. by them, furthermore the combustion must be carried out at a suitable distance from third-party buildings and the roadway in order not to cause inconvenience and disturbance to people;
4. it is always forbidden to burn plant material mixed with waste, materials of any kind or other substances other than plant waste and residues;
5. burning is always prohibited in any place in unfavorable climatic conditions, such as strong drought or intense ventilation;
6. the Administration has the right to suspend, defer or prohibit the open burning of plant material in all cases of adverse meteorological, climatic or environmental conditions and in all cases in which such activity may cause risks to public health and /or for the environment.
The prior communication of the start of the operations must be sent to the Municipality of Catanzaro – Environmental Hygiene Sector using the prepared form indicating the day and place where the burning will take place and a telephone number and/or email address of the applicant . The addresses to which the communication can be sent are:
During all phases of combustion and until it is completely extinguished, constant supervision by the owner or manager of the agricultural area or by a trusted person in charge must be ensured. Violation of the provisions of this Ordinance, without prejudice to more serious criminal liability, will be sanctioned in accordance with the Municipal Regulations and the laws in force on the matter. The Police Forces remain responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with this Ordinance.
The full text of the ordinance and the form to be sent to the municipal offices can be downloaded at the following link:
