The Ministry of Justice explained how Ukrainians will be punished for burning leaves and dry grass.

The Ministry of Justice stated that burning dry grass and leaves is prohibited by law.

This has a very negative impact on the environment. When dry vegetation is burned, the following occurs:

air pollution; destruction of soil microflora and biodiversity; loss of soil fertility; increased risk of fires.

Violations of fire safety requirements in forests (Article 77 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses)

Fines for violating fire safety requirements in forests are as follows:

for citizens: from 90 to 270 tax-free minimum incomes (1530 – 4590 UAH); for officials: from 270 to 900 tax-free minimum incomes (4590 – 15300 UAH).

Fines for destruction or damage to the forest due to careless handling of fire, as well as for violating fire safety requirements in forests that led to the occurrence of a forest fire or its spread over a large area are as follows:

for citizens: from 270 to 900 tax-free minimum incomes (4590 – 15300 UAH); for officials: from 630 to 1800 tax-free minimum incomes (10710 – 30600 UAH).

Unauthorized burning of vegetation or its remains (Article 77-1 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses)

Fines for burning stubble, meadows, pastures, areas with natural vegetation, vegetation or its remains, and fallen leaves on agricultural land, in road and railway right-of-way, in parks, other green spaces and lawns in populated areas without compliance with the established procedure are as follows:

for citizens: 180 – 360 tax-free minimum incomes (3060 – 6120 UAH); for officials: 900 – 1260 tax-free minimum incomes (15300 – 21420 UAH).

Fines for such actions committed within the boundaries of the nature reserve fund are as follows:

for citizens: 360-720 tax-free minimum incomes (6120 – 12240 UAH); for officials: 1260 – 1800 tax-free minimum incomes (21420 – 30600 UAH).

It is also prohibited to burn fallen leaves due to the risk of spreading a fire that can be dangerous to people, air pollution, and deterioration of soil fertility. In addition to administrative liability, criminal liability is provided for burning vegetation according to Ukrainian legislation.

Destruction or damage to forests, green spaces near populated areas, along railways, as well as stubble, dry vegetation or its remains on agricultural land by fire or other dangerous means is punishable in Ukraine by the following fines or punishments:

fines from 5400 to 9000 tax-free minimum incomes (91800 to 153000 UAH); or restriction of freedom for a term of 2 to 5 years; or imprisonment for a term of 2 to 5 years.

The same actions, if they lead to the death of people, mass death of animals or other serious consequences, are punishable by the following penalties:

imprisonment for a term of 5 to 10 years.

Burning dry vegetation is not only harmful to the environment, but also a threat to our health and finances. Reject this harmful habit and use safe disposal methods.