April 4, Minsk / Olga Belyavskaya - BELTA /. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection reminds that agricultural fires and the burning of dry vegetation are prohibited in Belarus. Illegal burning of dry grass is punishable by a fine of up to Br1.4 million, the ministry informed BELTA. According to environmentalists, the country suffers huge economic and environmental losses as a result of fires. Irreparable damage is caused to nature. "Dry grass burns out across the entire territory of Belarus every year, continuing to cause colossal damage to both nature and people," the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection said. "Fires pose a huge threat to biological and landscape diversity." In accordance with the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offences, for illegal burning of 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 shall be brought to administrative responsibility in the form of a fine ranging from ten to forty basic units (Br350 thousand - Br1.4 million). For lighting fires in prohibited places, a warning or a fine of up to twelve basic units (Br420 thousand) is provided. Environmentalists emphasized that legislation also provides for criminal liability for such violations. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection appeals to the residents of Belarus to treat this problem with understanding and not to allow violations of the current legislation.-0-

BELTA