Last year, during the spring-summer fire-hazardous period of 2016, an extremely unfavorable fire situation developed in the Lepel district.

Last year, during the spring-summer fire-hazardous period of 2016, an extremely unfavorable fire situation developed in the Lepel district. Units of the Lepel District Department for Emergency Situations responded 28 times to extinguish fires of dry grass and other fire hazardous waste. Warm, dry weather prompted the public to start tidying up their household plots. However, it is not only summer residents and owners of private land plots who burn rubbish; unfortunately, this practice is also used in roadside areas – acrid wisps of white smoke stretch along fields, meadows, and roadsides.

Although the burning of dry vegetation is prohibited by law in Belarus (in accordance with Article 15.57 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offences, liability is provided for burning dry vegetation, grass in its root, as well as stubble and post-harvest residues in fields, or for failure to take measures to extinguish fires – a fine from 10 to 40 base units, and Article 15.58 for lighting fires in prohibited places provides for a warning or a fine of up to 12 base units), the desire of our citizens to get rid of rubbish and dry grass with a lit match does not disappear.

Practically every year, spring fires lead to accidents – fires in residential buildings, outbuildings, injuries, and deaths. In 2016, in the Lepel district, fires of 4 houses and 7 outbuildings occurred due to burning dry vegetation.

For example, on March 19, a fire destroyed a derelict structure and an outbuilding in the village of Budishche due to the burning of dry vegetation. As a result of the fire, all structures were completely destroyed by flames. On April 5, three outbuildings caught fire in the village of Bor. On April 6, in the village of Matyrino, for the same reason, a house, a shed, and a bathhouse caught fire, and all structures were destroyed by flames. On the same day, two derelict houses and a shed burned down in the village of Kaminschina. And this is only a small fraction of examples where seemingly harmless grass fires lead to significant material damage, and sometimes to loss of life.

Spring grass fires cause serious damage to the environment annually. As a result of such actions, the natural ecological balance is disrupted; moreover, fires can lead to large-scale fires in forests and peatlands. Fire destroys animals and reptiles, ruins bird nests and nesting sites, and impoverishes the species composition of meadow vegetation. In areas where fires have occurred, the former variety of grasses will not return; weeds will take over the cleared territory.

However, it is not only grass that should not be burned during spring cleaning. It is forbidden to burn plastic products (they emit dioxins), as well as painted pieces of wood (most paints contain lead), rubber products, and old furniture. It should be remembered that when these materials burn, they release substances hazardous to health.

For those who enjoy outdoor recreation, it is worth reminding them:

do not leave unextinguished campfires, matches, cigarette butts, or glass bottles in recreation areas (in the sun, they act like magnifying glasses, focusing sunlight and igniting grass, moss, etc.);
do not ignore burning grass; if you cannot extinguish the fire yourself, report fires to the Ministry of Emergency Situations duty service by calling "101" or "112".

Controlled bonfires are permitted for burning rubbish and waste in designated areas. These areas must be bordered by a strip of soil cleared of the mineral layer, with a width of at least 0.25 m. Burning waste is allowed in light winds and while observing the following distances: 10 m from buildings and structures, 20 m from forest areas, and 30 m from hay or straw storage sites. Additionally, the rules state that on household plots, food preparation in special devices is permitted at a minimum distance of 4 m from buildings and structures.

Under no circumstances should flammable liquids be used when burning rubbish, nor should unextinguished campfires, matches, cigarette butts, or other waste be left behind.

To prevent the ignition of dry vegetation:

- constantly clear household plots of dry grass, leaves, and rubbish;
- do not light fires near dacha buildings and private residential properties;
- do not throw unextinguished cigarettes and matches into dry grass.

In case of discovering ignited dry vegetation:

If the area of ignition is small, try to extinguish the fire yourself. When extinguishing, use a bundle of twigs (in the form of a broom). Beat the fire from the edge of the fire – this is the simplest and most effective method of extinguishing. If you were unable to eliminate the fire source, or the flame has spread over a significant area, immediately report the incident to the emergency services of the Ministry of Emergency Situations by calling "101" or "112".