The incident occurred on Sunday, March 27. Volunteer firefighters from Tomaszów Bolesławiecki:
At 3:54 a.m., we were dispatched to a grass fire in Szczytnica.
In addition to the firefighters from Tomaszów Bolesławiecki, firefighters from Różyniec also took part in the operation.
Let us recall. The “Stop Grass Fires” campaign is ongoing. Its aim is to reduce the number of grass fires and raise public awareness of the dangers associated with setting agricultural wasteland on fire. The Bolesławiec County Headquarters of the State Fire Service:
Since the beginning of the year, firefighters from Bolesławiec County have responded to grass and agricultural-wasteland fires 53 times. During the past weekend alone [March 18–20 – editor’s note], PSP and OSP firefighters intervened 17 times.
They add:
Grass and wasteland fires are highly susceptible to wind, very often get out of control, and spread to nearby forests and buildings. On numerous occasions, people have lost everything they owned in such fires. They also pose a direct threat to health and life. Each intervention entails significant financial costs. Firefighters involved in extinguishing grass, meadow, and wasteland fires may simultaneously be needed elsewhere to save human lives and property.
Officials: “The transition from winter to spring is a period when the number of grass fires in meadows and agricultural wasteland increases significantly. This is caused by the burning of dry grass and plant residue. Areas of dried vegetation from the previous year are excellent fuel, which, combined with people’s irresponsibility, results in a sharp increase in fires.”
Who is to blame?
People are responsible for most grass fires. Unfortunately, many people believe that burning dry grass naturally fertilizes the soil, causing young grass to grow faster and more abundantly; this claim is, of course, false. Burning grass causes environmental damage by disrupting the ecosystem and poses a threat to the health and lives of people and animals.
What penalties are imposed for burning grass?
- Burning grass is prohibited under the Code of Petty Offenses, which provides for a fine of up to PLN 5,000.
- If burning grass causes a fire that endangers property or life, the offender may face up to 10 years in prison.