Over the past week, eight forest fires have been reported in Ukraine. Foresters cite the way landowners manage their plots as the main cause of the fires. With the onset of dry and sunny weather, they burn dry grass, and the fire spreads to forested areas.
According to the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine," this has forced them to intensify fire prevention measures and patrols near agricultural lands.
In just one week, nearly 9 hectares of forest under the enterprise’s jurisdiction were burned due to such reckless actions. Most of the incidents were recorded in Zakarpattia, Lviv, and Volyn regions. The fires were quickly extinguished to prevent them from becoming more destructive.
Preemptive action
Sometimes foresters manage to put out the fire before it spreads to the forest. They are forced to extinguish fields where stubble is being burned and to create mineralized firebreaks. Such barriers prevent the fire from spreading. In a similar manner, fires were successfully prevented in the Stepaniv Forest District in Zhytomyr Oblast and in the Khrystoforiv Forest District in Mykolaiv Oblast.
Enhanced patrols
Because of heightened fire danger and unreliable behavior by citizens, the State Forest Guard has increased patrols. Special attention is given to areas adjacent to agricultural lands.
“If, during patrols, they detect burning on the territory of the state forest fund, they issue administrative offense reports and swiftly extinguish the fire,” the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine" reported.
The forest guard does not have the authority to draw up reports on its own, so it involves the State Emergency Service or the National Police for this purpose. They are called upon when arson is detected or conduct joint raids. Just within a week, 21 reports were issued against violators of fire safety regulations.
“We warn you: burning grass carries administrative, and in some cases even criminal, liability!” the foresters emphasize.
EcoPolitic previously reported on the amounts of fines for burning dry grass. For citizens, this ranges from 3,060 to 6,120 UAH.
According to statements from the State Emergency Service, as a result of arson, people in Ukraine have already been injured. There has also been a fatal incident.
