Spring is a time for tidying up, and some private property owners resort to matches – burning rubbish and dry grass on their homesteads and around their yards. We are all well aware of the frequent consequences, especially in windy, dry weather. Fire can spread to outbuildings or houses, then to structures in neighbouring yards, and from there to forest fires or peat fires nearby. Raging flames are difficult to control.
As of March 10, 2025, 1582 fires in natural ecosystems have been registered on the territory of the Republic of Belarus (2024 – 150), including: forest fires – 115 (2024 – 2), peat fires – 37 (2024 – 0), grass and shrub fires – 1430 (2024 – 148).
In Belarus, burning dry vegetation is prohibited by law. According to Article 16.40 of the Code of Administrative Offences, for illegal burning of dry vegetation, standing crops, as well as stubble and post-harvest residues in fields, or for failure to take measures to extinguish fires, offenders shall be subject to administrative liability in the form of a fine ranging from 10 to 30 base units. In accordance with Article 16.41, setting fires in prohibited areas is punishable by a fine of up to 12 base units. In cases where damage is caused to a particularly large extent, criminal liability shall be incurred.
In this regard, rescuers recommend observing safety rules. If you decide to light a fire, it is permissible, but only on the condition that continuous monitoring of the burning and smouldering process is ensured. Thoroughly extinguish cigarette butts and matches before discarding them. Burning must be carried out in such a way that flames and sparks do not fall on combustible elements of buildings, outbuildings and structures, or on stored combustible substances and materials. A container of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher must be readily available to quickly extinguish the flames.
If you notice a fire, do not pass by. You can extinguish grass that is just starting to burn on your own. You can put out the fire using improvised means: beat down the flames at the edge of the fire with a bundle of twigs or branches of deciduous trees, or cover the edge of the fire with sand. After extinguishing the fire, do not leave until you are sure that the flames have been completely stopped. If you realize that you cannot extinguish the flames on your own, immediately report the incident by calling 101 and 112, and try to leave the fire scene as quickly as possible.
Burning dry vegetation, lighting fires on peat soils, or under tree canopies is not permitted. Do not use flammable and combustible liquids to ignite fires and coals, except for those specifically designed for ignition.
Following these recommendations will keep your property safe and sound, and will greatly assist firefighters, for whom the consequences of grass fires become a real ordeal.