On April 12, at approximately 7 p.m., the emergency services received a report of a bathhouse fire in the village of Kamen, Lepel District.
When rescuers arrived at the scene, the bathhouse roof was observed to be on fire.
As a result of the fire, the bathhouse sustained partial damage to its roof and ceiling, and the walls were smoke-stained.
During the investigation into this incident, it was determined that the fire was caused by the careless actions of the owner, who was burning refuse on his household plot. Verification activities are ongoing in this regard.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations of Belarus reminds citizens to exercise caution when tidying up around private homes and dachas:
- Remove refuse to a designated disposal site;
- If burning is unavoidable, select a site that excludes fire hazards. The distance to buildings and structures must be at least 10 m, to forest areas – 20 meters, and to hay or straw storage areas – 30 meters. Waste should only be burned in calm weather. The flame must be constantly monitored and never left unattended;
- Do not forget to have a fire extinguisher, a container of water, and a shovel readily available;
- Burning of dry vegetation, post-harvest residues, and standing grass is strictly prohibited!
In accordance with Article 15.57 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offences, liability is provided for the burning of dry vegetation, standing grass, as well as stubble and post-harvest residues in fields, or for failure to take measures to extinguish fires, which entails a fine from 10 to 40 base units. Article 15.58 provides for a warning or a fine of up to 12 base units for lighting fires in prohibited areas. Criminal liability is also provided for such violations under the law.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations urges citizens to act responsibly and refrain from actions that could lead to a fire or loss of life.