TUNIS, July 27 (Xinhua) -- The number of forest fires decreased by 50% during the summer season in Tunisia, compared with the same period of last year, the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture said on Thursday.
On average, some 107 fires are triggered annually in several Tunisian provinces, particularly in the northern, western and northwestern parts of the country known as dominant forest areas.
"The current year has been very difficult, given a severe winter, a dry spring and a remarkably hot summer," said Mohamed Abid, the General Directorate of Forests under the ministry.
In Tunisia, the most common cause of the fire is due to farmers and heads of agricultural projects who neglect security measures.
The forest area covers only 8% of Tunisia's land area.
"We are working to increase this minimum rate of forestry species to 12% as part of a national strategy during the period 2015-2024," said Abid.
