Instructions No. 778 of 1993 on protection of forests from insects, pests, fires, and on related expenses

SUMMARY Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Ministry of Economy and Finance nr. 778 Tirana, 17.2.1993 Instructions ( 11 urdherese") on Protection of Forests from Insects, Pests, Fires, and on related expenses District forest authorities organize monitoring of forests to identify noxious insects, fires and pests. Between May and October, as necessary depending on temperatures, forest authorities organize and make available teams (5 to 15 people) specifically for extinguishing fires. Local authorities may organize teams on a long term basis, with volunteers or fire guards. Expenses are charged either on local authorities or on forest authorities. Forest authorities give technical instructions. Measures to prevent and extinguish fires, such as keeping water barrels, hydrants or pumps available, must be taken in work sites in the forests. Prohibitions to light fires in open places within forests or at a distance of less than 300 m from forests~ to throw lit cigarettes in forests; to smoke bees in forests; to use inflammable cartridges at times when there is a high risk of fires; to use firearms in areas where there is dry wood. Below high tension poles trees must be cleared for a width of 20 30 m. Duties Every citizen who has come to know of a forest fire has a duty to cooperate in extinguishing it or at least to inform competent authorities. Forest authorities notified of a forest fire must take action immediately to extinguish the fire, and inform local authorities. District, communal and municipal councils must take action immediately to extinguish fires, when requested by the forest authorities. Where necessary due to authorities are informed, extinguishing fires. the extent of the fire, national and the army may be utilized for Forest authorities are responsible to coordinate operations in all events of fires. Whoever damages forests is liable to the application of the penal code. Protection measures against insects and pests Forest authorities in cooperation with other authorities responsible for environmental protection and plant protection take all necessary measures and organize permanent monitoring to identify, prevent and fight insects and pests which may affect the forests. Forest authorities in cooperation with the Forests and Pastures Research Institute establish maximum limits of contamination for the forests and any other necessary standards. Expenses All expenses deriving from the above activities shall be paid by the State. The yearly budget shall include funds for the above purposes, following a proposal of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and particularly for: organization and functioning of the monitoring activities for insects and pests by the Forest Service; organization and functioning of fire prevention and fighting services by the Forest Service; eliminating consequences of fires; compensation of physical damages to people who have cooperated in extinguishing fires; incentives for participation in extinguishing fires. Local authorities may utilize funds for the same purposes, when national funds are insufficient. Signed by the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Agriculture and Food and the Director of Forests.