BRIEFS. national

Panama City mayor says arsonists will pay

Municipal authorities and firefighters are preparing for the open burning of fields that typically occurs at this time of the year.

Panama City Mayor Juan Carlos Navarro ordered that the 21 capital districts apply the highest penalty of $5,000 for those who are caught setting fires in open areas.

A 1995 decree prohibits the burning of grasslands, garbage, rubbish or other objects without government permission.

According to statistics from the Cuerpo de Bomberos de Panama, firefighters were called to 1,333 grass fires in 2006 and, so far this year, have responded to 360 such calls.

Grass fires may be reported by calling the municipality at 800-2736. Firefighters can be reached by dialing 103 from any phone.