Fires in ecosystems: SES urges citizens to refrain from burning dry vegetation and visiting forests 

This year’s human-sparked wildfires have killed 20 people and injured 40 this year. Over the past 24 hours alone, 240 firefighting units were dispatched to eliminate the consequences of fires. As the wildfires are currently raging across Ukraine, the SES urges citizens to abide by the rules of fire handling and not to burn dry vegetation.

Roman Rudak, Deputy Director of the Department for Emergency Prevention at the State Emergency Service of Ukraine made this statement, at a briefing at the Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform. 

“Today, as the country is facing a drought, the State Emergency Service urges people to stay away from visiting forests. Of course, in no case should you burn dry vegetation or the remains of farming operations that remain at enterprises and in the fields. Be careful even when driving in a car – do not throw matches and cigarette butts on the roadside, as this also leads to fires. Please note that faulty vehicles should not be used to visit forests, as this can also lead to fires. In no case should you take garbage into the forests, especially if it may contain remnants of flammable substances,” Roman Rudak warned and emphasized that following these basic rules can reduce human ignition of fires in ecosystems.

At the same time, the SES representative reminded citizens of the responsibility of citizens for violating fire safety requirements, which are provided for by law.

Thus, a fine of 90 to 270 tax-free minimum incomes for violation of fire safety requirements in forests, which is equivalent to UAH 1500 to 4500 is provided referred to Article 77 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences. In addition, Article 77(1) imposes a fine of 180 to 360 tax-free minimum incomes, or UAH 3,000 to 6,000, for unauthorized burning of vegetation or its residues.

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