Saudi Arabia's environment police have warned that burning a tree illegally can result in fines of up to SR40,000.

In nature reserves, the fine for burning trees reaches SR40,000 per tree, according to Col. Abdulrahman Al Otaibi, spokesman for the Saudi Special Forces for Environmental Security.

In protected areas, bonfires are punishable by fines of up to SR20,000 for setting off bonfires in non-designated places, the official said.

"The executive regulations for the environment law include strict penalties in light of the dangers posed by illegal bonfires and tree burning in general," Col. Al Otaibi said.

Saudi Arabia has increased its crackdown on environmental violations in recent months.

Earlier this week, the Saudi environment police said they had arrested eight people for lighting bonfires in a public park without a permit.

Seven Saudis and one Egyptian resident were arrested for setting off the illegal bonfires in Abha's Al Soudah Park.

Saudi authorities banned bonfires in gardens and other public places for safety reasons in 2019.

During outings in Saudi Arabia, fires are often lit for cooking in public areas.

As part of the regulations for public conduct that went into effect in September 2019, fines against the act will be imposed in non-designated public places.