Porto-Franco City

According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the first months of 2025 saw nearly 12,000 fires in ecosystems across the country. The primary causes of these fires include careless handling of fire, such as discarded cigarette butts or intentional burning of dry grass. Consequently, around 10,000 hectares of Ukrainian land have been scorched, causing significant harm to nature and ecosystems.

Despite ongoing warnings, many individuals continue to burn grass, trash, and dry vegetation on their properties. This issue becomes particularly acute in spring and autumn when Ukrainians commonly burn dry leaves, grass, and branches, mistakenly believing that it enhances crop yields. In reality, this is a myth, and the damage from such burning is substantial.

What are the dangers of burning dried vegetation?

1. Destruction of soil fertility
   The fire kills off the microflora that play a crucial role in biological processes. The fertile layer of soil can take 5–6 years to recover after such burning.

2. Harmful effects on health
   During the burning of dry vegetation, toxic substances are released into the air, posing risks to human respiratory organs. The smoke from burnt leaves contains carcinogens that can lead to serious illnesses.

3. No benefit for the land
   Burning grass does not warm the soil, enrich it with beneficial substances, or promote the growth of new grass.

4. Risk of large-scale fires
   A small fire can quickly escalate into an uncontrollable blaze, destroying homes, forests, and agricultural lands, leading to devastation and additional strain on rescuers.

Instead of burning dry leaves and grass, consider safer disposal methods:

• transporting plant waste to designated landfills organized by local municipal services;
• composting – an excellent way to obtain natural organic fertilizer for gardens and farms.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine urges all citizens to take responsibility for the environment and avoid creating threats to themselves and others. Remember: burning dried vegetation provides no benefit and only harms nature, health, and property!