On the work carried out to control the prevention of burning dry vegetation and lighting fires in prohibited areas

Territorial bodies of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection for the Vitebsk region have conducted raids during the fire hazard season in places of mass public recreation and potentially hazardous fire locations to prevent unauthorized bonfires and burning of dry vegetation in railway and road buffer zones, near settlements and facilities, as well as for the timely detection of possible fires and ignitions in forests and peatlands.

As of May 30, 2025, 323 cases of dry vegetation fires in ecosystems covering a total area of 46.4 hectares have been registered in the Vitebsk region.

As a result of the conducted raids, 15 individuals were identified for burning dry vegetation. 14 claims for compensation of environmental damage totaling 7579.06 rubles have been filed against individuals guilty of burning dry vegetation.

A preventive measure in the form of a warning for illegal burning of dry vegetation, standing grass, stubble, and crop residues in fields has been applied to 9 individuals. Additionally, 4 individuals received warnings for making bonfires in unauthorized locations, and 6 individuals for burning waste in unauthorized locations.

Four individuals have been brought to administrative responsibility for illegal burning of dry vegetation, with a total fine of 1.6 thousand rubles.

During the reporting period, the Vitebsk Regional Committee for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection delivered 207 presentations in the media on the causes of fires in forest, field, wetland, and other ecosystems; the negative consequences of burning dry vegetation on all categories and types of land; administrative liability under the Code of Administrative Offenses for illegal burning of dry vegetation and violation of other fire safety requirements; decisions on the introduction (cancellation) of restrictions or prohibitions on staying in forests; compliance with safety requirements when burning garbage; and the inadmissibility of burning dry vegetation, as well as the causes and consequences of fires caused by the ignition of dry vegetation on lands of all categories.