The residents advisor, Manuel Campos, has confirmned “exreme precautionary and preventative measures in the region to reduce the risk of forest fires and has called for “cooperation and responsibility” from residents.
Manual Campos, who is responsibile for citizen segurity, emergencies and the environment in the region, has indicated that forest fires are the most signifcant cause of the destruction of natural spaces in the Mediterranean basin.
“Looking after the mountains and the prevention of forest fires is everyone´s responsbility,” he commented. Adding that an extinguished cigarette end, an unattended barbecue or a small garden bonfire combined with the current climatic conditions could instígate a forest fire.
As precautions it is not permitted to light a fire in the mountains, not even in barbecue areas. It is prohibited to light a bonfire within 400 metres of forest terrain and drop cigarette butts on mountain paths or from car windows.
It is also important to keep the mountains clean and free of litter, especially glass bottles which could precipítate a fire, and not to permit children to play with matches or lighters.
The emergency number for reporting a fire is 112. Residents are encouraged to report any sign of fire giving the exact location. If it is a small fire, smothering with earth is recommended, but bigger fires should be left to the emergency services.
If you are caught in the area of a fire walk away from the direction of the smoke in a downwards direction. In an emergency take refuge in any deep ditch. Breathe through your nose and cover your mouth with a damp cloth.
During the summer months in Calasparra it is prohibited to light any type of bonfire and barbecues must be covered or be a “chimney type”. No barbecue should be left unattended or left to “burn out” but must be extinguished completely. Barbecues are prohibited near the mountains. If you are doubt about the regulations ask at the Forest Rangers Centre on the lower road to the Sanctuary, some 150 yards after turning turn coming from Calasparra town.
