Fire hazard has begun

March 24, 2020

The first cases of dry vegetation fires were recorded in mid-February – warm weather contributed to tidying up household plots.

According to statistics, in 2019, 2,691 fires occurred in ecosystems, covering a total area of 11,333 hectares. Rescuers extinguished 520 forest fires and 243 peat bog fires. 1,928 cases of grass and shrub fires were recorded. Despite these statistics, citizens' desire to get rid of garbage and last year's grass by setting it on fire does not disappear.

Year after year, the problem of burning household waste remains relevant and occupies a separate place among the causes of fires.

Grass fires spread quickly, especially on windy days. The fire flares up instantly, and it is very difficult to contain and stop it. Dry grass fires can lead to fires in summer cottages and wooden houses. Last year's grass dries quickly in the strong spring sun and easily ignites from any thrown match or cigarette.

Unfortunately, there are cases when not only adults but also children suffer from careless handling of fire. Of course, the responsibility for this primarily lies with parents who do not pay enough attention to safety issues.

In Belarus, burning dry vegetation is prohibited by law. According to Article 15.57 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, for burning dry vegetation, grass in its natural state, as well as stubble and post-harvest residues in fields, or failure to take measures to extinguish fires, guilty persons are brought to administrative responsibility in the form of a fine ranging from 10 to 40 basic units. Article 15.58 stipulates a warning or a fine of up to 12 basic units for setting fires in prohibited areas. In case of causing damage of a particularly large scale, criminal liability is incurred (Articles 270, 276 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus).

The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Belarus reminds that caution must be exercised when tidying up the territory of private houses and summer cottages:

- dispose of waste in a designated area;

- if burning is unavoidable, choose a site in such a way as to prevent fire, the distance to buildings and structures should be at least 10 m, to the forest – 20 meters, 30 meters from places where hay or straw is stored. Burning waste is allowed only in calm weather, the flame must be constantly monitored, and under no circumstances should it be left unattended;

- do not forget about a fire extinguisher, a container of water, a shovel;

- burning of dry vegetation, crop residues, and standing grass is strictly prohibited.

Another spring "problem" is nature lovers. When going for a barbecue, people choose picturesque places. But when leaving, they leave mountains of garbage, broken glass, plastic bottles. They forget to extinguish the fire and throw cigarette butts into the grass. However, a gust of wind can spread the fire over long distances, burning everything in its path.