The ban on visiting forests has been extended in the Vitebsk region

Although individual districts in the Minsk, Gomel, and Grodno regions have lifted the ban on visiting forests, similar restrictions are not yet planned to be lifted anywhere in the Vitebsk region.

This June has been dry in the region. Even though there is no abnormal heat, the days are quite warm and clear. This means the threat of forest fires still exists. Therefore, the ban on visiting forests, introduced on June 18 in all districts of the Vitebsk region, will not be lifted in the near future, as explained by the regional Ministry of Emergency Situations. This should be taken into account by everyone who plans to spend their weekends in nature.

While restrictions are in place, it is only permitted to be in forest areas in specially equipped recreation spots and tourist campsites. It is forbidden to drive on all forest roads (with the exception of public roads) and to open barriers that have been lowered there independently. According to the Code of Administrative Offenses, ignoring this ban is punishable by a fine of up to 25 basic units. If forests or peatlands are destroyed or damaged as a result, the fine will range from 25 to 50 basic units.

To prevent fires and check compliance with the imposed restrictions, employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and representatives of forestry associations conduct joint raids on weekends. In the Vitebsk region, as noted by the regional Ministry of Emergency Situations, several dozen people have already been held accountable for not only being in the currently prohibited territory but also for making fires in unauthorized places (for such a violation, as a reminder, there is also a penalty: a warning or a fine of up to 12 basic units).

Liliya Ivchenko, "Vitebskiye Vesti"