The risk of forest fires igniting and spreading will be increased on Monday, according to the Cyprus Forestry Department, due to the very strong to gale-force winds, with gusts reaching up to 6 Beaufort. "In the event of a fire, firefighting efforts will be extremely difficult, if not impossible, unless it is extinguished in its early stages," the Forestry Department said in a press release. The Department urged the public to be particularly cautious and avoid actions and activities that could cause a fire. It also urged the public to refrain from using tools that generate heat or sparks, such as grinders, oxy-fuel welding, and electric welding. It noted that using such tools in areas with dry grass will almost certainly result in a fire. It also said that the burning of grass, branches, and waste is prohibited, as is discarding lit cigarettes and matches. Lighting fires for cooking or heating food is permitted only in designated barbecue areas in recreational sites. The Forestry Department also highlig hted the need to take preventive measures to avoid fires caused by the exhausts of generators or water pumps in the countryside. It added that lighting fires within state forests or within 2 km of their edges without a permit is forbidden and constitutes an offense under the 2012 Forest Law, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to pound 50,000, or both. "Anyone who notices smoke or fire is requested to immediately inform the nearest Forest Station or call 1407," concluded the Forestry Department. Source: Cyprus News Agency