Burning dry grass leads to soil depletion

Spring has arrived, and with it, the problem of burning dry vegetation has become relevant again. Every year, the same story repeats: some citizens, upon seeing last year's dry grass, reach for matches. While tidying up their plots by burning "excess" material, grass fires continue to be a serious problem for firefighters, foresters, and ecologists, who face not only the carelessness and irresponsibility of citizens but also a fundamental lack of knowledge.

Statistics show that the majority of ecosystem fires are caused by humans, with only 5-10 percent arising from meteorological conditions. As a rule, grass fires are intentionally set to clear territory of unwanted vegetation. It is not uncommon for dry grass to ignite due to careless actions: a campfire left unattended or poorly extinguished, a discarded cigarette butt…

The argument that burning last year's grass is beneficial for the growth of young shoots is just one of many misconceptions that guide citizens. Some people also believe that grass fires help warm the soil, fertilize it with ash, and destroy insect pests and parasites…

It is worth reminding about responsibility: in accordance with Article 16.40 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offenses, illegal burning of dry vegetation, standing crops, as well as stubble and post-harvest residues in fields, or failure to take measures to extinguish grass fires, entails a fine ranging from 10 to 30 base units. Setting campfires in prohibited areas entails a fine of up to 12 base units (Article 16.41 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Belarus).

Furthermore, according to the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus dated April 11, 2022, No. 219 "On Tariffs for Determining the Amount of Damage Caused to the Environment and the Procedure for its Calculation," the illegal burning of dry vegetation, standing crops (except for lawns, flower beds, forest litter, and living ground cover), as well as stubble and post-harvest residues, constitutes damage to the environment and entails civil liability.

To avoid disaster, the following recommendations must be followed:

• – under no circumstances burn grass;
• – do not leave a burning fire unattended. Thoroughly extinguish cigarette butts and matches before discarding them;

• – if you notice a fire, immediately report it by calling 101 or 112, and try to leave the scene of the fire as quickly as possible.

The Rossony District Inspectorate for Natural Resources and Environmental Protection urges the residents of the district to show civic awareness and responsibility and to prevent the burning of dry vegetation!