The municipal administration of Marsala, in highlighting the need to take care of the environment, draws attention to the obligation to keep the owned land clean, freeing it from brushwood and dry vegetation, as well as any material that could be a source of ‘fire. The brush clearing interventions must be carried out by next May 15th by organizations and private citizens, owners, tenants, tenants and, in any case, by individuals who for any reason enjoy undeveloped land and/or green areas in a precarious state maintenance, even more so if near risk areas. These and other specific requirements are regulated by regional legislation, as well as reported in the union ordinance (no. 34/2024) prepared by the competent offices. A provision issued to prevent fires in uncultivated or abandoned areas, as well as containing materials that can trigger them or accelerate the spread of fire, especially during the upcoming summer season. The priority is to avoid consequences for public safety, as well as protect the environment, public hygiene and local safety. This is a condition that must be maintained until next October 31st, the deadline within which – starting from May 15th – it is forbidden to light fires near agricultural land, wooded or bushy areas and, in any case, in all areas considered at risk. (indicated in the provision). The ban also extends to the use of naked flame or electrical appliances that produce sparks, as well as any other operation that may generate flame in the aforementioned terrain. Once the obligations have been completed, a communication must be sent to the municipal Civil Protection Office by May 22nd ([email protected].
The material resulting from land cleaning must be disposed of according to current legislation or, alternatively – as permitted by the union ordinance – by burning the removed dry vegetation on the ground, provided that they are small piles. Furthermore, without prejudice to the fact that it is absolutely forbidden to light fires from 15 July to 15 September (period of maximum fire risk), the aforementioned piles can be burned limited to the periods between 15 May/14 July and between 16 September/31 October, in the time slot 4:00/9:00, deadline by which the fire must be put out. Finally, the place where the brushwood is burned must be at least 200 meters away from wooded areas and protected areas, and in any case at a safe distance from residential areas, roads and public spaces. Last and important requirement: the lighting of the fire – supervised until it is completely extinguished – must not take place on particularly hot and windy days. The union ordinance highlights the civil and criminal responsibilities that one faces in the event of non-compliance, with sanctions of up to 700 euros and consequent warning to comply.
Anyone who spots a fire must report it immediately. In addition to the Single Emergency Number 112 (Carabinieri), you can contact: Fire Brigade Provincial Command TP (0923550300), Fire Brigade Detachment. Marsala (0923951222), Forestry Corps Sicily Reg. Environmental Emergency Service (1515), Carabinieri Command Marsala (0923723537), Carabinieri Staz. Santi Filippo e Giacomo (09239682247), Marsala Municipality Switchboard (0923993111), Marsala Municipal Police (0923723303), Civil Protection Regulatory Department – Regional Operations Room (SORIS, 800 404040).
