The number of fires in the ecosystems of the Vitebsk region has almost doubled compared to last year

The number of fires and ignitions in the ecosystems of the Vitebsk region since the beginning of the year has almost doubled compared to the same period in 2014, reported the acting head of the regional department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Alexander Yarmosh.

Since the beginning of the year, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the region has registered 591 fires in natural ecosystems, including 549 grass and shrub ignitions, 20 peat fires, and 22 forest fires. Compared to last year, the number of incidents has almost doubled, and the area affected by fires has tripled. There have been two fatalities as a result of burning dry vegetation.

Meanwhile, since the onset of hot summer weather in the region, there have been 3 peat fires (covering an area of 0.6 hectares) and 3 forest fires (covering 3 hectares). They were detected in the early stages and promptly extinguished. "A ban on visiting forests has been imposed throughout the region. Stable hot dry weather contributes to the fact that the third class of fire hazard has already been introduced in the forests and peatlands of the region. It is highly probable that on these weekends, due to heat and lack of precipitation, the fourth class will be established. This indicates a high flammability of forests, and careless handling of fire can lead to serious fires in ecosystems. Together with the units of the Vitebsk State Forestry Enterprise, local executive committees, we are conducting monitoring and raid activities to control the situation," explained Alexander Yarmosh.

For violating the rules of visiting forests, administrative responsibility is provided in the form of a fine of up to 25 basic units (1 basic unit is currently equal to Br180 thousand). If human impact causes a fire and damage, the fine can reach 50 basic units. Burning dry vegetation and stubble in the field incurs responsibility from 10 to 40 basic units. As of August 7, 17 people have been punished for violating fire safety requirements in forests and peatlands or for prohibiting their visit, which did not cause damage.

Alexander Yarmosh explained that if it is forbidden to be in forests, then it is allowed to rest in forest park areas, but without lighting fires and even without a barbecue grill. He also emphasized that the road leading through the forest to a populated area is a public road and is not subject to the ban. If it leads to a lake, to a clearing where picnics are organized, then passage along it is closed.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations asks citizens to treat the introduced restrictions with understanding, as this is done for the sake of safety and preservation of natural resources, as well as human, technical, and other resources that are spent on extinguishing fires in ecosystems.

Ekaterina Knyazeva, BELTA.