After these latest, careless bonfires on the Costa Tropical and elsewhere, the Junta reminds citizens that the consequences are prison sentences and fines.

The culprits will also be handed all the costs accrued from having had to deploy the emergency services to tackle such fire; i.e. burning cuttings, etc.

Andalusian law stipulates that you can only light such bonfires at certain times of the years and under determined circumstances, such as prevailing meteorological conditions.

The two fires that took place on Sunday in the vegas of Salobreña and Motril, for instances, did not meet weather-condition requirements.

The call-centre coordinator (112) Manuel Navajas emphasised that if a farmer or somebody with a garden for instance, wants to light a bonfire they must first inform the authorities.

During the summer, Infoca is on full alert, so that if there is an incident, the response is rapid and the resources available are at hand. This is not the case in the winter, which is why special care must be taken and the authorities informed.

For instance, if you have land and wish to obtain permission to burn cuttings etc, then you must make a written request in your local town hall, who will pass this information on to the relevant fire service for the local fire service to approve it.

(News: Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)