On the prohibition of burning dry vegetation, stubble, and post-harvest residues in fields

In accordance with Article 20 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On the Flora," the burning of dry vegetation (dry wild plants) and its standing residue is prohibited.

According to the fire safety rules in forests, during the period from the snow cover melting until stable rainy weather sets in, it is prohibited to: light fires in young coniferous forests, in areas of damaged forest (windfall and breakage), peatlands, in places with dried grass; burn grass and light fires in grass, leave a burning fire unattended; leave unextinguished sources of ignition and smoldering (burning matches, cigarette butts, etc.).

Lighting fires (including using devices such as braziers, barbecues, grills, gas stoves, etc.) is permitted in equipped areas, bordered by a mineralized (cleared to the mineral soil layer) strip at least 0.25 m wide, as well as in places that exclude fire damage to the crowns, trunks, and root systems of growing trees, except for prohibited areas. Once the need has passed, the fire must be extinguished until smoldering completely ceases.

In accordance with Article 16.40 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offenses, illegal burning of dry vegetation, standing grass, as well as stubble and post-harvest residues in fields, or failure to take measures to extinguish fires on land plots, entails administrative liability in the form of a fine ranging from ten to thirty basic units.

In accordance with Article 16.41 of the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offenses, a fine of up to twelve basic units is imposed for lighting fires in prohibited areas.

The amount of damage caused to the environment by illegal burning of dry vegetation, standing grass (except for lawns, flower beds, forest litter, living ground cover), as well as stubble and post-harvest residues is established by the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus dated April 11, 2023 No. 219 "On Tariffs for Determining the Amount of Damage Caused to the Environment and the Procedure for its Calculation."

Before throwing a match, think about the detrimental consequences for nature!