An orange extreme high temperature warning was issued on Friday by the Department of Meteorology.

The warning is in effect from 9 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. Saturday.

It is mentioned that the night minimum temperature in over the inland areas, the eastern the southern and the western coastal areas is not expected to fall below 25 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature is expected to rise to around 43 degrees Celsius over the inland areas and to around 32 degrees over the higher mountainous areas.

At the same time, the Forestry Department has announced that the level of risk of forest fires breaking out and spreading remains at a "red alert" level for Saturday.

Therefore, the Forestry Department stresses that lighting fires without permission is prohibited and constitutes an offence which under the Forestry Act 2012, is punishable by imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to pound 50,000.00 or both penalties together and under the Prevention of Rural Fires Act 1988, up to 5 years or a fine of up to pound 20,000 or both penalties together.

It is emphasized that the burning of grass, sticks and bushes is prohibited and that the lighting of fires anywhere in the countryside is prohibited except for the preparation of food in the barbecue areas of camping sites.

The Forestry Department strongly urges the public to exercise extreme caution, avoiding completely actions and activities that are likely to cause a fire, such as the use of tools or agricultural machinery that produce heat, sparks or flame, such as welding and soldering.

The public is urged to call without any delay 1407 (Forests Department) or 112 (Fire Service), in case of smoke or fire.

Source: Cyprus News Agency