The Municipality of Pantelleria, in agreement and collaboration with the National Park and all the relevant bodies, has issued a union ordinance which adopts further preventive measures and extends the “forest fire season” compared to previous years.
The device orders the owners (or possessors/holders for any reason) of free areas inside or outside the inhabited center, of woodland, agricultural and non-agricultural land, by May 14th of each year, to weed and cleaning the area from any flammable material or waste, creating adequate fire breaks and removing any element and condition that represents a danger to hygiene and public safety.
In the event of a fire, reporting to the Forestry Corps of the Sicilian Region is mandatory at number 1515 or number 115 of the Fire Brigade.
All bodies and natural and legal persons holding forests or public lands in any capacity must proceed by 14 May of each year with the clearing and removal of vegetation, weeds, shrubs and waste along the roads and paths leading to the protected areas , respecting the regulations in force, including the Highway Code.
From May 15th to October 31st, the period of maximum risk, it is prohibited:
· Light fires of all kinds;
· burning agricultural and forestry plant residues;
· explode mines or use explosives;
· use flame or electric devices to cut metals;
· use engines, stoves or incinerators that produce sparks or embers (except those authorized for forestry work and not in conflict with the PMPF and other regulations in force);
· smoking, throwing matches, cigars or lit cigarettes and carrying out any other operation that could create an immediate fire risk;
· carry out pyrotechnic activities, light fireworks or other similar activities;
· transit or park vehicles on unpaved roads within wooded areas, except for service vehicles and agro-forestry-pastoral activities, in compliance with current regulations.
The police bodies, in accordance with the provisions of the respective Commands and the responsible territorial bodies, are responsible for carefully monitoring compliance with the ordinance, as well as enforcing all laws and regulations relating to forest fires, prosecuting violators in accordance with the provisions of the law. Further details are available in union ordinance no. 40 of 12/04/2024.
Fire prevention and protection of the forest heritage on the island of Pantelleria are essential to protect the environment, guarantee the sustainability of natural resources, promote economic and social development and contribute to the fight against climate change. The defense of natural areas is a shared commitment and responsibility that involves the entire community. This is why it is essential that every individual, institution and organization takes an active role in the protection and conservation of the territory.
