The Lviv City Hall is once again urging residents not to burn dry vegetation, as it is harmful, unecological and illegal – arsonists face thousands of dollars in fines.
And rescuers who respond to such calls, even in relatively peaceful areas, may simply not be able to get to the places where urgent help is needed.
Since the beginning of the year alone, 88 ecosystem fires have been recorded in the Lviv community, 25 of which were large fires, with a burning area ranging from 200 to 15,000 square metres. In particular, the largest fire, covering an area of 15,000 square metres, occurred in the village of Sitykhiv, where peat was burning in the spring and firefighters took several days to extinguish it.
Each such fire causes air and soil pollution, killing animals, birds and insects, and harm to human health. Heavy metals, dioxins and a wide variety of carcinogenic compounds are released into the air that people breathe along with the smoke. In addition, in wartime, such actions can be equated with sabotage, which entails criminal liability.
“Due to the full-scale war in Ukraine, such fires are becoming an additional burden on the SES specialists. Instead of dealing with the consequences of the war and rescuing people, they are forced to extinguish fires that are often caused by thoughtless burning of garbage and leaves. And, of course, the hot weather only contributes to the emergence and spread of such fires over large areas,” the city’s Department for Emergency Situations, Civil Protection and Counterterrorism emphasises.
The safest and most beneficial way for the environment is to compost dry leaves and grass: the vegetation rots and becomes fertiliser. For composting, you should prepare a special tank or simply dig a hole near the yard or garden, moderately moisten the plant remains and provide air access.
Residents are once again asked not to burn dry vegetation, and to remember to call the Rescue Service 101 if they see dead wood burning, and the police 102 if they see arsonists.
As a reminder, unauthorised burning of dry grass, fallen leaves and other plant residues can result in a fine of UAH 3,060 to 6,120 for citizens and UAH 15,300 to 21,420 for officials. For the same actions committed on the territory of nature reserves, arsonists face a fine of UAH 6,120 to 12,240. And in wartime, such actions are equated with sabotage, which entails criminal liability (imprisonment for 10 to 15 years).