Bonfire Starters On Dry Vegetation At Protected Majjistral Park Slapped With €150 Fine
A duo of bonfire starters was slapped with a €150 fine for building a fire pit and starting a fire at the protected Majjistral Park.
The HPF Ranger Unit announced that the two individuals will be fined €150 by police after rangers spotted the duo setting a bonfire at the Park near very dry Esparto grass.
“Wind was picking up and it could have ended badly. They were also cautioned to not leave anything on site, but to leave it spotless, which includes the removal of the firepit and its content,” HPF Rangers said on social media.
“It takes seconds for a fire to spread, even faster on slopes with dry vegetation. You wouldn’t even have the time to take it out, even if trying,” it warned.
The unit continued by thanking the Malta Police Force, police officers from Qawra, and the Mellieħa community policing team officers, for their swift response.
“They trekked down the cliff side together with the Rangers to enforce the Park Site Regulation as well as the Mellieha Bye-Law (both regulating fires and BBQs in the council).”
The Majjistral Park Site Regulations (S.L 549.83) can be found displayed at every entrance to the Park – an open fire is strictly prohibited in the whole area.
“Although we understand the beauty of a bonfire, there is a place and time for this. Inside the National Park, directly on the ground and near dry vegetation is not such.”
“Let’s all respect areas with fire bans, we would prefer not having to respond to a call for wildfires,” the unit concluded.
Well done rangers for the swift action!
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