Over 13,000 hectares have been affected by vegetation fires this month, prompting many dioceses to collaborate with regional and county representatives of the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations to raise awareness among the faithful.
Church and Firefighters Issue Joint Appeal
In the Metropolis of Oltenia and the Archdioceses of Suceava and Rădăuți, as well as Alba Iulia, churches on Sunday read messages co-authored with firefighters, urging people to refrain from burning pastures and gardens.
“These practices can lead to serious incidents or even loss of life if the fire gets out of control,” warned both Church representatives and emergency responders.
The same message reached communities in the Diocese of Caransebeș and is expected to be shared across other eparchies in the coming days.
National Call for Prayer and Awareness
On Tuesday, the Romanian Patriarchate issued a statement calling on clergy and believers to pray and show solidarity. Special prayers for protection from danger will be offered in all churches this Sunday, and priests have been encouraged to educate their communities on the risks of burning dry vegetation.
In Cluj County, the number of wildfires requiring firefighter intervention has increased by 29% compared to the same period last year, according to Prefect Maria Forna, cited by Agerpres.
The most challenging firefighting operations have taken place in Alba, Bistrița-Năsăud, Caraș-Severin, Hunedoara, Mehedinți, and Vâlcea counties.
Photo: Facebook / IGSU
