Despite being notoriously dubbed a ‘concrete jungle’ due to its growing built-up areas and sparse green spaces, Malta experiences well over 500 grassfires every year.
Between 1 June and 10 August, the Civil Protection Department in Malta recorded 513 grass/rubbish fires across the island. The average amount of fires in Malta for the past five years was 543 fires.
The localities with the highest number of recorded fires till now this year are: Rabat (28 fires), Zebbug (28), Siggiewi (26) and Qormi (25).
The localities which suffered the most fires between June & August 2016 – 2021
1st place: Qormi (117 fires) – peak this year (25 fires), all years quite high only going below 17 in 2016.
2nd place: Zebbug (110 fires) – drop in 2020 (7 fires) when compared to all other years having over 14.
3rd place: Rabat (100 fires) – peak this year (28 fires), all other years under 21 fires.
4th place: Siggiewi (101 fires) – lowest in 2016 (9 fires), peaking this year with 26 fires.
4th place tie: Nadur, Gozo (100 fires) – peak in 2017 (30 fires), 28 fires in 2019, other years under 12 fires.
5th’place: Xaghra Gozo (80 fires) – 2019 increase (20 fires) all other years under 15.
The devastating fires ravaging countries like Australia and Greece – and which are occurring more frequently as a result of global warming – seem to have instigated local authorities to voice their concerns over the little bit of un-concreted land left in Malta.
In fact, Zebbug independent councillor Steve Zammit Lupi has taken to social media to express his devastation that some 25 tumoli of land in Wied Qirda have been burnt down, as well as some 10 tumoli in Wied Girgenti earlier this summer.
He noted how several mature trees were lost in both cases; carob trees in Wied Qirda and of white poplars in Girgenti.
He reminded of other recent fires, particularly those that raged Miżieb in 2019, which led to the loss of some 4,000 trees.
While acknowledging that arson or human negligence could not be ruled out, Zammit Lupi highlighted that the current scorching climate conditions were definitely playing a part, if not taking central stage.
Climate change increases the chance of fires, helps them spread and makes them more destructive, he noted.
Photos: Steve Zammit Lupi
A look at the numbers
The numbers shown below are for Malta’s Summer seasons between June and August where the sun is at its highest and thus the country being more prone to fires.
In 2021 a total of 513 fires were recorded. The localities with the highest number of recorded fires were: Rabat (28 fires), Zebbug (28), Siggiewi (26), Qormi (25).
In 2020 a total of 511 fires were recorded with Qormi (20), Siggiewi (18), Qrendi (17), Xaghra, Gozo (15) having the highest amount of fires that year.
In 2019 a record number of 716 fires were recorded, the highest number in the past five years with Zebbug (30), Nadur (28), Qala (24), Qormi (23), Siggiewi (20), Xaghra, Gozo (20) having the highest number of fires that year – The CPD had no explanation for this increase.
In 2018 there were 462 fires in total with Rabat (21), Zebbug, Gozo (19), Zebbug, Malta (15), Zurrieq (13), Bahrija (12) having the highest number of fires that year.
2017 saw quite an increase of fires compared the previous year, with a total of 658 fires with Nadur (30), Marsa (29), Hal Far (26), Gudja (21), Xewkija (18), Qormi & Zurrieq (17) having the highest number of fires.
2016 saw the least number of fires over the past five years with 401 total fires, Qormi (20), Zejtun (18), Hal Far (16), Zebbug (14), Cospicua (12) having the highest number of fires.
CPD investment
In seeing all these numbers for such a small country, one has to ask what measures and policies are in place to avoid such fires and ensure that any blazes can be brought under control quickly.
In response to questions by The Malta Independent, a spokesperson for the Civil Protection Department said that the environment ministry and the local councils are responsible for mitigation measures.
The CPD’s role entails dealing with a fire when and where it happens and they are not involved in the mitigation stage or the after-care of said extinguished terrain, the spokesperson said.
In order to be better equipped to deal with fires around the country, the department has over recent years invested in fire trucks that carry large volumes of water as well as All Terrain Vehicles that help reach remote areas faster.
Thus, if any grassland/woodland like Buskett, Aħrax and Miżzieb were to catch fire, all their all-terrain vehicles will be sent to the spot together with large water bowsers, the spokesperson said.
The CPD is set to continue investing in its equipment, with more ATVs expected to be purchased. The department is also in the process of procuring six other vehicles suited for this kind of work.
CPD’s tips for avoiding grassfires
Be responsible and do not to throw-out anything flammable, like cigarette buds etc.
Do not litter and collect any of their rubbish wherever you go (if having a BBQ, collect the ash or the remains of coal in an iron container)
If you own fields, remove all kinds of dry grass
Never light a fire near any source of vegetation
The role of Ambjent Malta rangers
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Environment Ministry explained the role of environmental rangers who patrol fire-prone sites.
While some N2K sites are privately owned and fall under the responsibility of the landowners, other sites like Buskett are equipped with fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers on site.
Rangers who patrol these areas have a duty to be vigilant and identify and remove any fire hazards. These rangers are being trained in Health and Safety.
“Ambjent Malta officials also regularly clear out and remove dead plants and leaves to minimize the risk of fire. In Natura2000 sites, there are also signs to guide visitors on how to use this space, and certain activities such as BBQs are prohibited in protected areas also due to such risks.”