Authorities ask public to prevent forest fires; avoid burning as high winds continue

January 9^th, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) is calling on the public to avoid burning brush or garbage while the strong trade winds continue this week.

According to Diego Román, a SINAC representative, the country is in the forest fire season. Román said nearly all fires in the country are caused by people.

Román also said that so far in 2013, authorities have attended to two forest fires, one on private land, and the other within the Santa Rosa National Park, where 7 hectares were affected.

In 2012, SINAC tended to 88 fires in protected areas and 30 more on private land.

The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) forecasts that this week will see high temperatures, clear skies and little chance of rain in most of the country.