On the inadmissibility of burning dry vegetation

With the arrival of spring, the fire hazard period begins, as people start tidying up around their homes by burning trash and last year's grass. Every year, rescuers continue to respond to hundreds, if not thousands, of fires related to seasonal burning.

Most often, victims of fires that occur during grass burning are pensioners tidying up their plots. The majority of tragedies happen when people use flammable liquids to burn trash. It is not uncommon for dry grass fires to lead to the most severe consequences – loss of life, when the fire spreads to residential buildings, structures, and sheds before the eyes of those responsible.

Basic rules for lighting fires and burning trash:

• fires should be lit only under conditions that ensure continuous monitoring of the burning and smoldering process;
• the area for lighting fires must be cleared of combustible substances and materials, and dry vegetation;
• a container of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher must be readily available to quickly extinguish the flames;
• the burning process must be carried out in such a way that flames and sparks do not fall on combustible elements of buildings, utility structures, and constructions, or on stored combustible substances and materials;
• when leaving, it is necessary to extinguish the embers until smoldering completely ceases.

Prohibited:

• burning dry vegetation, stubble;
• lighting fires on peat soils, under tree crowns;
• using flammable and combustible liquids to ignite fires and coals (except for liquids specifically designed for ignition).

Another spring "problem" is nature lovers. Going for "shashlik" (barbecue), people choose picturesque places. But when leaving, they forget to extinguish the fire, leave broken glass, and throw cigarette butts into the grass. However, any external source, for example, a carelessly thrown cigarette butt in a field with dry grass, provokes fires over significant areas. Wind gusts spread the fire over long distances, burning everything in its path.

To ensure that outdoor recreation is truly safe:

• use a brazier or grill only under continuous supervision of the burning and smoldering process;
• do not use flammable liquids for ignition;

• do not leave unextinguished fires, matches, cigarette butts, or glass bottles in recreation areas (in the sun, they act like magnifying glasses, focusing sunlight and igniting grass).

Do not pass by burning grass! If you are unable to extinguish the fire on your own, report fires to the Ministry of Emergency Situations by calling 101 or 112.