Five local environmental officers and eight firemen are living the nightmare on the frontline against forest fires, most of which are probably intentional.
“We are living through this nightmare with impotence,” says a spokesperson for the local brigade. “We ask ourselves everyday who is behind all of this and where the next fire will be. We can only hope that things don´t take a turn for the worse and we live to lament loss of life.”
The latest fire yesterday evening burned 4,911 square metres of lower slopes which were replanted 15 years ago with 195 different flora. Arson is suspected as the probable cause.
The fire officers add their voices to the Mayor´s plea for the public to be vigilant and report any person or vehicle that seems suspicious.
“The cooperation of the public is very, very important. It is vital that any suspicious activity is brought to the attention of the authoritites immediately.”
