Early start to fire safety: Mallorca brings forward fire ban period

Red alert: Mallorca steps up fire prevention measures
This advanced measure affects all types of fires, including those in public recreational areas with barbecue areas. The decision was taken after four significant fires occurred in a very short space of time, forcing the government to react immediately. In particular, the use of fires to dispose of forest and garden waste will no longer be permitted without a special permit. These stricter rules are aimed at ensuring public safety and protecting the islands' natural resources during particularly dry and hot periods.

New fire ban periods introduced

In view of the ongoing drought and the resulting high risk of forest fires, the Balearic government has decided to bring forward the deadline for the annual fire ban to April 15. This precautionary measure, published in isla magazine and confirmed by the newspaper Ultima Hora, is intended to help minimize the risks of forest fires on Mallorca and Menorca. From this date, all activities that could start fires in or near forest areas are strictly prohibited.

Strict controls for public and private fireplaces

The regulations affect both public recreational areas, known as áreas recreativas, as well as private properties located up to 500 meters away from forest areas. In these zones, it is now necessary to obtain a special permit for the burning of forest and garden waste. The local authorities will carry out increased checks to ensure compliance with these new regulations.

Necessary steps against the increasing risk of forest fires

These preventative measures were introduced as a result of several recent fires, including four major forest fires that raged across the island within a few days. The extreme drought combined with unusually high temperatures has drastically increased the risk of fires, which is why the government is now also increasing fire-fighting capacity. Additional fire departments are being stationed in both Mallorca and Ibiza in order to be able to react quickly to potential forest fires.

These drastic steps are part of a comprehensive effort to protect the Balearic Islands' valuable natural resources from the devastating effects of forest fires and to ensure public safety.