The lawyer told about the fines for improperly lighting a campfire in the country

Improper lighting of a campfire in a suburban area can result in fines and, in some cases, imprisonment. This was announced on July 6 by lawyer Anastasia Bilyalova in an interview with the Prime agency.

It is specified that the rules for the safe use of open fire are established in the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 09/16/2020 N 1479 "On approval of the Rules of fire protection in the Russian Federation."

Places where citizens plan to use an open fire must meet several criteria. First, a pit for making a fire must be dug with a depth of 30 cm and a diameter of up to 1 m. Also, barbecues and other fireproof containers should prevent the spread of flames and the loss of combustible materials beyond the confines of the gorenje. In addition, the minimum distance from deciduous plantings to an open fire must be at least 30 m, from buildings and structures — at least 50 m, and from coniferous forests - at least 100 m.

"In private areas, strictly for the purpose of burning dry grass, branches, foliage and other combustible vegetation, the place of use of an open fire should be located at a distance of 15 m from buildings," Bilyalova specified.

The expert added that if dry grass, branches, foliage and other combustible vegetation are burned in a metal container, the distance can be reduced, but not more than twice. In addition, around the area where it is planned to build a fire, it is necessary to clear the area within a radius of 10 m from dried vegetation and combustible materials, as well as organize a mineralized fire protection strip with a width of at least 40 cm. To prevent this situation, it is recommended to prepare primary fire extinguishing equipment in advance.

It is strictly forbidden to build an open fire on peat soil, under fire protection conditions, in case of strong gusty winds or reports of bad weather, under coniferous trees and in damaged containers.

Violation of the above rules in the absence of victims can result in a fine of 5 to 15 thousand rubles in accordance with Article 20.4 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation ("Violation of fire safety requirements").

"If a fire broke out as a result, where property was damaged or people were injured (light or moderate severity), then the sanctions will be higher — a fine for citizens from 40 to 50 thousand rubles," the expert said.

In case of fatal cases, a criminal case is initiated under Article 109 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Causing death by negligence"). The maximum penalty is up to four years in prison.

If someone else's property is destroyed or damaged due to careless handling of fire, a criminal case is initiated under Article 168 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Destruction or damage to property by negligence"). The maximum penalty is up to two years in prison. In some cases, the penalty may be a fine of up to 120 thousand rubles.

An expert on housing and communal services told summer residents about fines for uncut grass

Natalia Shaluba, Managing Partner of Veritas Lex, President of the Legal Center ADVOLOGIA, told Izvestia on June 30 that Russian legislation strictly regulates the use of pesticides and agrochemicals, providing for significant fines for violations.