An area in Xaghra, Gozo, that was set alight by fireworks is not a protected zone, but investigations are ongoing to assess the damage caused, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) told this newsroom.

On Saturday 19 June, 2021, a fire broke out in the area known as l-Irdum tas-Sikek, in Xagħra. The police had confirmed with this newsroom that from the investigations carried out, it resulted that fireworks were let off in the area with all the necessary permits.

The ERA is collaborating with the Malta Police Force on the current investigations and action following such an incident will be determined on the basis of such investigations, ERA said.

A spokesperson explained that “ERA is not the competent entity in relation to permits for the fireworks.”

“Nevertheless, in areas where ERA permitting is required, the authority takes into consideration the biodiversity of the area as well as other environmental factors. These would include due attention to the climatic regime, including wind force, the biodiversity of the area, as well as basic safety measures linked to fire prevention and control in order to reduce any possible impacts on the environment,” a spokesman said.

Asked on the impacts caused by the fires on biodiversity, the ERA said “this is dependent on various environmental factors as well as the severity and duration of the fire.”

The authority explained that this may be marginal in case of small fires to generally extensive, particularly in relation to rate, threatened or sensitive habitats and species, particularly endangered habitats and species with low mobility or found in dormant stages.

“In view of this, and related human safety aspects, ERA always recommends that such matters are addressed with due caution and with appropriate safety considerations, with due responsibility and care,” the authority said.

Meanwhile, just a few days before the fire broke out in Xagħra, several other large fires broke out in fields in Nadur valley on Tuesday 29 June, also caused by fireworks. It was reported that initially there were only a couple of fires but the fireworks did not stop, and the falling sparks caused fires in other areas of the valley.

Asked whether the ERA is looking into the Nadur fire and what it has uncovered, the ERA did not respond clearly and directly on the matter.

Another fire broke out a few weeks ago when a marriage proposal literally went up in flames. The proposal involved a number of people carrying fire flares in front of a ‘Will you marry me?’ sign but this led to bushes in Għajn Tuffieħa catching fire.

Għajn Tuffieħa is best known for its sandy beach and clay slopes, home to a variety of vegetation. It is protected as part of a Natura 2000 site and scheduled as an Area of Ecological importance.