Low rainfall this spring heightens the risk of forest fires as people honor their ancestors by clearing weeds and burning paper money over the upcoming Tomb Sweeping Festival, the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency said today.
Forest fires are most frequent from October to April, the agency said.
While honoring their ancestors during Tomb Sweeping, or Qingming Festival, people should make sure to burn paper money in a designated area, stay aware of forest fire risks and not use fire to clear weeds, it said.
Photo courtesy of the Chiayi Forest District Office via CNA
Due to increased rainfall and public awareness campaigns, there were only 36 forest fires last year, affecting 26.94 hectares, a record low in recent years, the agency said.
However, most forest fires result from human negligence, and with the Central Weather Administration predicting low rainfall this spring, drier conditions could heighten the risk of forest fires, it said.
Those who light fires in forests without permission could be fined up to NT$600,000 according to Article 34 of the Forestry Act (森林法), the agency said.
If a forest fire starts, the offender could face three to 10 years in prison and would be liable for compensation, it added.
People can check the risk of forest fires through the agency’s risk assessment system to reduce the possibility of fires, it said.
Discovered forest fires can be reported via a free telephone hotline at 0800-000930 or by calling 119, it said.
If the authorities confirm a fire in a public forest after receiving a report, the reporter could receive an award of up to NT$100,000, the agency said.
In addition, the first person to report a fire could receive a NT$5,000 reward for protecting Taiwan’s forests, it added.
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