With the arrival of spring and warmer weather, owners of private houses and garden plots begin to actively tidy up their properties. Garbage, last year's grass, tree leaves – everything that catches the eye of a conscientious owner is subject to cleaning.

With the arrival of spring and warmer weather, owners of private houses and garden plots begin to actively tidy up their properties. Garbage, last year's grass, tree leaves – everything that catches the eye of a conscientious owner is subject to cleaning. Often, owners choose the simplest and quickest way to destroy garbage – by burning. While the fire is "tidying up" the plot, there is a moment to discuss the latest news with neighbors and think about plans for the upcoming season.

Engrossed in spring chores, owners notice too late that the flame, fanned by the wind, has already spread to nearby territories and adjacent buildings. It is already impossible to cope with such a fire without the help of rescuers – there is a high probability of finding oneself in a fiery trap or suffocating in smoke.

Let's recall last year's incidents: in the Braslav district, three outbuildings were immediately destroyed by fire originating from grass – the cause was careless handling of fire when burning dry vegetation. In the Ushachy district, a bathhouse burned down for a similar reason: the roof and ceiling were destroyed, and the walls were damaged. In the Polotsk district, a house and a bathhouse burned down due to the burning of dry vegetation.

In 2019, over 100 fires occurred in the Vitebsk region due to the burning of dry vegetation.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations reminds: in accordance with the current legislation, controlled bonfires and the placement of special cooking appliances (grills, barbecues) on the territory of garden cooperatives, recreation centers, and household plots are permitted, subject to the following conditions:

- take measures to prevent the spread of fire beyond the designated area (i.e., remove combustible materials around the bonfire, possibly sprinkle with sand, loosen the soil around the bonfire);

- constantly monitor the burning process and equip the area with extinguishing agents (fire extinguisher, container with water, shovel, etc.). After everything is done, extinguish until smoldering completely ceases;

- observe distances when lighting bonfires of at least: 10 meters from buildings and structures, 20 meters from forest areas, 30 meters from haystacks and straw stacks, and place special cooking appliances.

is permitted at a distance of at least 4 meters from buildings (structures).

We draw the attention of citizens to the fact that violation of the specified fire safety rules entails administrative liability from 10 to 40 basic units.