CONCERNS are growing about the ability of Chiriqui Fire Deparments    to deal with emergencies as they are called out up to seven time a day to douse   illegal vegetation fires.

Manuel De La Cruz, said that besides the wear of equipment that must be prepared for more delicate emergencies they have to face bigger finanical expenditures, creating an institutional problem.

De La Cruz said that staff were having days without rest, because the fires are burning day and night.

"We need to make people aware and get them to denounce  those who cause these fires” De La Cruz said.

Abel Arauz,pf the Bugaba  Fire Department, said the number of illegal fires has also increased in this sector, although less so than around David.