Utmost caution in this situation of a heat wave and high fire risk

Tarragona. Costa Dorada. 9th August 2012. The Minister of Interior, Felip Puig, called this morning to the public the greatest caution to the situation of risk for combined heat wave and high fire risk that will accompany the coming days.   Puig has announced that the Government departments concerned, Health, Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Food and Natural Environment and Interior, have set the maximum voltage and effective emergency and preventive devices provided for emergencies or situations of risk derived from the episode combined heat wave with temperatures above the average time for a few days straight, and the high risk of fire affecting the country.   As indicated by the Minister, "we have lightning remain dull and sleepy that fall in the under-vegetation and can cause a fire as has happened in the Alt Urgell. The lightning, the butts off the road, the action of man, the agricultural tasks can generate any spark in the situation we have is a greater risk, "added the Minister. In this sense, the holder Interior insisted on giving "a message of prevention, precaution, all be very alert, especially the next 3 days with heat above what is normal".   Puig said that "we are alert, especially the state of forests. Sunday rains have improved the situation but in many counties the fire risk is very high and this heat, added to having had more winter dry for 40 years, can provide a big forest fire. "" We are ready with all services and devices to prevent this high risk of fire, "he said. Closure of hills Gavarres, Cadiretes and Albera Massif, Massif Beceite Ports Tortosa, Tivissa Vandellòs, Montsant mountain range, mountains of Serra de Prades and the Cardo Boix. The first definition can be modified depending on the developments in the coming days.   Depending on the daily map of Alpha Plan, which is available on the website of the Department of Agriculture (http://www20.gencat.cat/portal/site/DAR), suspending all licenses for the performance of activities that may cause danger of forest fires in the municipalities affected by the activation of level 3 of the Plan: permits to generate plant waste, agricultural activities, maintenance of infrastructure (power lines, railway lines, roads), stop execution of civil works within 5oo feet of forest.   Duration of the episode will strengthen surveillance of terrestrial bodies coordinated Rural Agents of Autonomous Police, Fire Government which will have five columns in mobile situation of maximum alert in the vicinity of the high risk areas of Defence Associations and the Provincial Forest to optimize existing resources.   We have also provided a device for aerial surveillance in a coordinated manner involving all available means the Department of Agriculture and Interior, including the Catalan police apparatus and the Catalan Traffic Service.

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