Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
Dry grass and plant residues turn into gunpowder that can ignite from the slightest spark. Eco-inspectors of the Polissia district are recording the first autumn violations: 3 in September in the Zhytomyr district a burner was caught, and a protocol with a sanction of 3 060 hryvnias was immediately drawn up.
Statistics show a systemic problem with neglecting safety rules. From the beginning of 2026 year inspectors have recorded hundreds of violations in Zhytomyr and Rivne regions: for non-compliance with fire safety rules in ecosystems 126 protocols were issued, and for direct burning of dry grass — another 30. The total amount of fines imposed on violators already exceeds a quarter of a million hryvnias.
The consequences of such actions can be catastrophic, especially under martial law. Uncontrolled flames often spread to residential buildings, power lines, and critical infrastructure facilities, creating additional chaos and burden on the State Emergency Service. Moreover, such incidents are thoroughly checked by law enforcement for signs of criminal offenses.
“Autumn does not cancel the rules of safe handling with fire. On the contrary — dry vegetation remains a potential source of rapid fire spread. We continue patrols, explanatory work, and respond to every established fact. At the same time, no control can replace personal responsibility. Do not burn plant residues — this simple decision can protect natural areas, property, and people’s lives,” emphasizes the head of the State Ecological Inspectorate of the Polissia district, Yevhenii Medvedovskyi.
Legislation clearly defines penalties for destroying ecosystems by fire. For citizens fines range from 3 060 to 6 120 hryvnias, for officials — up to more than 21 thousand hryvnias. If the fire destroys protected areas or causes severe consequences, the case becomes criminal liability. Ecologists urge to abandon burning in favor of safe disposal or composting.
Document: PDF proof of the original version of the news item "Пожежі під час війни: чому спалювання сухостою на Поліссі загрожує не лише природи, а й безпеці громад". It records the publication content at the moment of the first scan, the preservation date and the source: Aktsenty.