Belarusians face a fine of up to Br1.4 million for burning dry grass.

April 4, Minsk / Olga Belyavskaya - BELTA /. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection reminds that agricultural fires and the burning of dry vegetation are prohibited in Belarus. For illegal burning of dry grass, a fine of up to Br1.4 million is threatened, the ministry informed a BELTA correspondent. According to ecologists, as a result of fires, the country suffers huge economic and environmental losses. Irreparable damage is done to nature. "Dry grass burns out annually throughout Belarus, continuing to cause colossal damage to both nature and people," the Ministry of Natural Resources said. "Fires pose a huge threat to biological and landscape diversity." In accordance with the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offenses, for illegal burning of dry vegetation, grass in the root, as well as stubble and post-harvest residues in fields, or failure to take measures to extinguish fires, guilty persons are brought to administrative responsibility in the form of a fine from ten to forty base units (Br350 thousand - Br1.4 million). For setting fires in prohibited places, a warning or a fine of up to twelve base units (Br420 thousand) is provided. Legislation provides for criminal liability for such violations, ecologists emphasized. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection appeals to the residents of Belarus to treat this problem with understanding and not to allow violations of the current legislation. -0-