Cullera mayor could be jailed for 10 years for causing forest fire
Cullera mayor could be jailed for 10 years for causing forest fire
A MAYOR who organised a firework display from a castle on a hill despite forest fire warnings could face up to 10 years in jail for 'gross negligence'.
One of the first of the 108 forest fires in the Valencia province so far this year, the blaze in the coastal town of Cullera was caused by fireworks coming into contact with dead and withered shrubs.
Residents were evacuated and flames surrounded every side of the mountain.
As well as jail, Ernesto Sanjúan (PP) may have to pay a daily fine for 12 months.
Some 17 days after the huge inferno, Sanjúan publicly apologised, but said he had no plans to resign.
Over half of all forest fires are caused by human error, says the province's wildfire protection group.
