A tradition leading to tragedy…SPRING POLES

Spring is the time to tidy up, and some homeowners take to matches – burning trash and dry grass in their yards and around their properties. We all know very well how this often ends, especially in windy dry weather. The fire can spread to a utility building or house, then to structures in neighboring yards, and from there to a forest fire or the ignition of nearby peat bogs. A raging flame is difficult to stop.

As of March 6, 2025, there have been 427 fires registered in natural ecosystems in the Republic of Belarus (2024 – 48), including: forest fires – 14 (2024 – 0), peat fires – 3 (2024 – 0), grass and shrub ignitions – 410 (2024 – 48).

In Belarus, burning dry vegetation is prohibited by law. According to Article 16.40 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, individuals responsible for the illegal burning of dry vegetation, grass at the roots, as well as stubble and crop residues in fields or for failing to take measures to extinguish fires are subject to administrative liability in the form of a fine ranging from 10 to 30 basic units. In accordance with Article 16.41, lighting fires in prohibited areas is punishable by a fine of up to 12 basic units. In cases of causing damage on a particularly large scale, criminal liability applies.

In this regard, rescuers recommend following safety rules. If you decide to light a fire, it is permissible, but only under the condition of ensuring continuous monitoring of the burning and smoldering process. Carefully extinguish cigarette butts and matches before disposing of them. Burning should be conducted in such a way that flames and sparks do not reach combustible elements of buildings, utility structures, and facilities, or stored combustible substances and materials. A container with water, sand, or a fire extinguisher should be readily available to quickly extinguish flames.

If you notice a fire, do not walk past it. You can extinguish grass that has just started to burn by yourself. You can put out the fire using improvised means: beating the flames back from the edge of the fire with a bundle of twigs or branches from deciduous trees, or throwing sand on the edge of the fire. After extinguishing the fire, do not leave until you are sure that the flames are completely out. 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 area as quickly as possible.

Burning dry vegetation, lighting fires on peat soils, under tree canopies, and using flammable and combustible liquids for igniting fires – except for those specifically designed for ignition – is prohibited.

Following these recommendations will help keep your property intact and safe and will greatly assist firefighters, for whom the consequences of grass fires become a real challenge.