Summer is a time for active outdoor recreation. Good weather beckons us to go to the forest and sit around a campfire with friends. However, one should not forget that reckless handling of fire often leads to deplorable results. Frivolity and carelessness in this matter can cause irreversible consequences, such as a forest fire, which can destroy many trees, animals, and sometimes people in its path.
The State Inspectorate reminds you!
In accordance with the Forest Fire Safety Rules of the Republic of Belarus, during the fire hazard season, it is prohibited to:
light fires in coniferous stands with incomplete canopy (up to 1 m high) and young stands of age class 1 (up to 15 m high), in areas of damaged forest (windfall and break), peatlands, and in places with dried grass;
leave unextinguished sources of ignition, smouldering (burning matches, cigarette butts, etc.);
leave materials (paper, fabric, tow, cotton wool, etc.) oiled or impregnated with flammable and combustible liquids or other combustible substances;
refuel fuel tanks of vehicles and machinery in unauthorized places, as well as when engines are running; use vehicles with malfunctions that lead to leakage of flammable and combustible liquids, smoke or use open flames near vehicles being refueled with fuel;
burn dry grass.
Lighting fires is permitted (including using devices such as braziers, barbecues, grills, gas stoves, etc.) in equipped sites, bordered by a mineralized strip (cleared to the mineral soil layer) at least 0.25 m wide, as well as in places that exclude damage to the crowns, trunks and root spread of growing trees by fire, except for prohibited areas. When no longer needed, the fire must be extinguished until completely smouldering ceases.
For lighting fires in prohibited areas, a fine of up to 12 base units may be imposed. For violation of fire safety requirements in forests or peatlands, or a ban on visiting them – up to 25 base units. For illegal actions that caused the destruction or damage of forests or peatlands – up to 50 base units with compensation for the damage caused.