With the arrival of autumn, allotment owners and home gardeners begin their clean-up. Fallen leaves, trimmed branches and removed weeds must, however, be managed appropriately. Bolesławiec Municipal Police are drawing attention to increasingly frequent cases of lighting fires on allotments and properties.
As officers stress, burning plant waste produces dense smoke that may be a nuisance to residents of nearby housing estates.
“In connection with the ongoing clean-up work in allotment gardens and home gardens, Bolesławiec Municipal Police remind residents of the absolute ban on burning plant waste. In recent days, there have been increasingly more cases of lighting fires on allotments and properties, generating dense smoke and causing concern among residents,” we read in the statement.
Not just smoke. Municipal Police warn of fire risk
Lighting fires to dispose of leaves and branches is not only a nuisance to neighbours. The Municipal Police also draw attention to the fire risk, particularly when dried-out plant materials are burned and gusts of wind occur in the area.
“Dried-out plant materials combined with gusts of wind can rapidly lead to the uncontrolled spread of fire, posing a real threat to the life, health and property of neighbours,” the officers warn.
What should you do with leaves and branches?
As Bolesławiec Municipal Police remind residents, plant waste should not be burned. There are other ways to manage it: it can be composted on your own allotment or property, sorted and placed in designated bio-waste containers, or taken to the Selective Municipal Waste Collection Point. The latter is located at 6 Staszica Street in Bolesławiec.
Up to PLN 5,000 in fines for breaking the rules
The Municipal Police also remind residents of the legal consequences of burning waste. Breaking the provisions of the Waste Act and local law may result in a fine of up to PLN 500.
“If the case is referred to court, the fine may be as much as PLN 5,000,” the officers inform.