Often, landowners try to tidy up their plots by burning grass. While some believe it is beneficial for the land and renewal of territories, others worry as flames fly towards their fences. Rescuers have outlined the main safety rules.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations reminded that burning dry vegetation, grass at the root, as well as stubble and post-harvest residues is illegal and, in accordance with Article 16.40 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (KoAP), entails administrative liability. Furthermore, in cases where such actions lead to damage of a particularly large scale, criminal liability may also arise.

In accordance with the Procedural and Enforcement Code of Administrative Offenses (PIKoAP), authorized bodies empowered to draw up protocols on administrative offenses under Article 16.40 of the KoAP include units of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, state environmental institutions managing reserves and national parks, as well as bodies exercising state control in the field of forest use, protection, defense, and reproduction.

"The requirements of fire safety rules also prohibit the burning of dry vegetation at the root, on adjacent territories, and on land plots provided for collective gardening or dacha construction. In this case, administrative liability arises in accordance with Article 24.36 of the KoAP," the department noted.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations also clarified that bonfires are allowed on adjacent territories and land plots, as well as the use of special devices for cooking food – braziers, grills, barbecues, and others – provided that safety rules are observed. In particular, bonfires should be made under the condition of ensuring continuous visual control over the burning and smoldering process, and without using flammable and combustible liquids for ignition (except for liquids specifically designed for ignition).

Places for bonfires must be cleared of combustible substances and materials, dry vegetation, and equipped with extinguishing agents. The burning and smoldering process should be carried out in such a way that flames and sparks do not fall on combustible elements of buildings, utility structures and facilities, or on stored combustible substances and materials. The safe distance is determined by the citizen independently, based on the size of the bonfire, the type of combustible materials, and weather conditions. Upon completion of the burning process, the remnants of burning (smoldering) materials must be extinguished until smoldering completely stops.

Anyone who witnesses the burning of dry vegetation should assess the situation. "If the fire is small, beat out the flames with a bundle of twigs or branches of deciduous trees, throw sand on it, or pour water on it. Then extinguish the fire, do not leave until you are sure that the fire has not reignited. If the fire is large, immediately call 101 or 112, and try to leave the fire scene as quickly as possible," the Ministry of Emergency Situations concluded.

"BelTA"