On March 26, at approximately 12:00 PM, the rescue service received a report of a fire in an outbuilding in the village of Dvor Babcha, Kamensky rural council. Upon arrival of the rescuers at the scene, open burning of a shed was observed.

On March 26, at approximately 12:00 PM, the rescue service received a report of a fire in an outbuilding in the village of Dvor Babcha, Kamensky rural council.

Upon arrival of the rescuers at the scene, open burning of a shed was observed.

As a result of the fire, the shed was completely destroyed. There were no casualties.

During the ongoing investigation into this incident, it was established that the fire was caused by the careless actions of a pensioner neighbour, who was burning tree branches on his adjacent plot of land. Investigation activities are continuing in this regard.

Every year, with the onset of spring, the number of fires due to the burning of dry vegetation increases. Any carelessness with fire during this period leads to the destruction of forests, residential buildings, outbuildings, and sometimes to loss of life. For instance, in the current year, 33 grass fires and 1 forest fire have been extinguished in the Vitebsk region due to careless handling of fire while burning dry vegetation.

To prevent a simple plot cleanup from turning into a tragedy, the Ministry of Emergency Situations reminds: according to current legislation, controlled bonfires and the placement of special cooking appliances (grills, barbecues) on the territory of dacha cooperatives, recreation centres, and private plots are permitted under the following conditions:

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

- Constantly monitor the burning process and equip the area with extinguishing agents (fire extinguisher, container with water, shovel, etc.). After completion, extinguish completely until smouldering ceases;

- Observe minimum distances when lighting fires: 10 metres from buildings and structures, 20 metres from forest areas, 30 metres from haystacks and straw stacks. Special cooking appliances are permitted at a distance of at least 4 metres from buildings (structures).

We draw citizens' attention to the fact that for violation of these fire safety rules, administrative liability ranging from 10 to 40 basic units is provided.