The General Directorate of Civil Defense issued the following statement: "Due to the increased risk of fire outbreaks in forests according to the forest fire risk forecast, especially in the coming days, the General Directorate of Civil Defense has raised its readiness in all regional and member centers. In this context, the General Directorate reminds citizens and residents of the necessity to call 125 to report immediately upon seeing smoke from a fire or in case of any emergency. It also urges them to adhere to its guidelines regarding awareness of forest fire risks and to refrain from using fireworks and firecrackers, as this may cause significant losses in forests and damage to property."
The statement included guidelines to avoid grass and forest fires, as follows:
**Preparation and Awareness on Forest Fires**
- If you see a fire, remain calm and call the operations room of the General Directorate of Civil Defense at 125 and provide the following information: Your name, phone number, exact address of the fire, and its type.
**Preventive Measures for Hikers in Forests**
- Dig a small pit away from dry grass or branches to use for lighting a cooking fire; cover it with dirt when finished and pour water on it to cool it down.
- Continuously monitor the fire, especially when the wind is strong as it can cause sparks to spread.
- Keep flammable materials away from the fire area.
- Collect waste in bags to put in trash bins, especially glass items.
- Do not throw cigarette butts from vehicles on the sides of roads or while hiking in forests and near forest areas.
- Keep a handheld fire extinguisher nearby for emergency use.
- Do not burn waste during holidays and occasions.
- Do not use firecrackers, especially near forests or dry grass.
**Guidelines for Farmers:**
- Do not burn dry grass when clearing land, as it constitutes rapid-burning fuel, especially when there is strong wind.
- Clean weeds and small branches from under trees and place them in safe locations away from forests.
**Note:** Wherever you are, when you hear the sirens of fire trucks or ambulances, make way for them to pass. Reporting the emergency number 125 at the beginning of a fire saves significant efforts in combating it later.
