It took two firefighting crews, the local authorities' help and 7 hours to extinguish a vegetation fire that burned 80 hectares of dry grass yesterday near Ciuciuleni village, Hincesti district.

Most likely the fire started accidentally, IPN learned from Diana Turcan, spokesperson for the Civil Protection and Emergencies Service.

Turcan said vegetation fires are more common in May, July and August, when the weather is drier and winds blow stronger. Some 20 vegetation fires are reported daily in this period, affecting in most cases areas no larger than 2 hectares. Yesterday's fire, which stretched over 80 hectares, is the vastest this season.

Over the past 24 hours, 28 vegetation fires were reported across the country. The members of the public are asked to call 901 immediately if they spot such fires.