A fire broke out in the village of Obukhovichi, Ivankiv territorial community, Kyiv region, when a married couple, having arrived at their dacha, decided to tidy up the garden and burn dry branches, despite the windy weather.
This was reported by the State Emergency Service of the Kyiv region.
Due to the windy weather, the fire quickly spread to dry grass, and then to a neighboring outbuilding. The summer residents were unable to extinguish the fire on their own, so they called rescuers.
A barn caught fire in the Kyiv region due to burning dry grass. Telegram/State Emergency Service of Kyiv region
“As a result of the fire, dry vegetation on an area of 0.5 hectares was burned, and an outbuilding was also destroyed. Fortunately, there were no casualties,” the SES report says.
A barn caught fire in the Kyiv region due to burning dry grass. Telegram/State Emergency Service of Kyiv region
A married couple was held administratively liable for burning the remains of dry vegetation.
A married couple was held administratively liable for burning the remains of dry vegetation. Telegram/State Emergency Service of Kyiv Region
This is punishable by a fine of UAH 3,060 to UAH 6,120 for citizens, and UAH 15,300 to UAH 21,420 for officials.
At the same time, burning dry wood may also result in criminal liability.
Destruction or damage to forests, green spaces around settlements, along railways, as well as stubble, dry wild grasses, vegetation or its remains on agricultural lands provides for a fine of 91,800 to 153,000 UAH , or restriction of liberty for a term of 2 to 5 years , or imprisonment for the same term .
If the arson led to serious consequences, such as the death of people, mass animal deaths, or other serious consequences, the punishment is imprisonment for 5 to 10 years .
What to do with dry leaves
The Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation of the Kyiv City State Administration notes that there are safe and effective ways to dispose of plant residues. In particular, composting – organic waste is converted into natural fertilizer. As well as mulching – creating a protective layer.