24/05/2012 00:00
TW
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l “Despite the economic difficulties that the regional government is experiencing at the moment,” Balearic Environment Minister Gabriel Company said yesterday “no cuts will be made in funding forest fire fighting measures.” Company said the same specialised aircraft and fire extinction equipment which has proved so effective in previous years will remain on call.

Giving reassurances in yesterday's Balearic Parliament meeting in Palma, Company said 4 helicopters, two water discharging planes and a lookout plane will be ready for action along with ground forces.

2011 was one of the worst years for forest fires in the history of the Islands. The Minister said its government remains on alert for any new outbreak and in the meantime continues its work of fire prevention, such as reinforcing fire breaks in wooded areas.