In recent days, there has been a significant increase in forest fires, with Guanacaste being the most affected province.
According to the Office of Emergency Dispatch of Firemen, during 2019, 29 forest fires have been dealt with, which have consumed 3,568 hectares in different areas of the country, that is, 17 forest fires and 1,781 hectares more than those served in the same period in 2018.
The province with the highest attention to forest fires is Guanacaste (15), followed by Puntarenas (8), then San José (4) and finally Cartago (2).
But not only forest fires have increased, also charcoal fires and fires in garbage dumps or waste areas. Josué Lara, spokesman of the Fire Department said that 100 to 130 emergencies of this type are attended by day.
Last Friday there was a fairly large fire between Atenas and Orotina, on the side of Route 27, where the flames consumed an important area of vegetation.
Fire authorities are concerned about the increase in fires and give some recommendations to reduce emergencies:
Keep the lots close to the houses clean and free of weeds.
Avoid children playing with matches, lighters or combustible materials, both inside and outside the home.
Avoid burning garbage, litter and any other material.
Do not dispose of combustible objects, glass, cans, plastic or garbage in vacant lots, on the edge of streets, pastures or other areas prone to fire.
Do not throw cigarette butts, or other lit objects in vacant lots or on the side of the road.