Belarus has imposed a partial ban on entering forests in three districts, including one bordering Poland, due to extreme heat and a high risk of wildfires. The Belarusian Ministry of Forestry announced the restrictions on Saturday, citing the highest level of fire danger in the Homel and Brest regions. Firefighting units have been placed on heightened alert.
The ban applies to the Kobryn, Zhabinka, and Brest districts, with Brest lying directly on the Polish border. The ministry operates a four-tier heat hazard scale, and the top level is currently in effect for the Homel and Brest oblasts. Throughout the rest of the country, lesser restrictions are in place, including a ban on private vehicle access to forest areas.
According to the state news agency BelTA, the restrictions are likely to remain in force across the entire country. The ministry warned that if a total ban is introduced, even walking in forests will be prohibited.
Firefighters on standby
The Ministry of Forestry stated that all firefighting teams and forest brigade units have been put on a state of heightened readiness. This measure is intended to enable an immediate response should any wildfires break out. The ministry emphasized that the current conditions are extremely dry and pose a serious threat to forest ecosystems.
Local forestry agencies have been instructed to coordinate closely with emergency services. The ministry also reminded the public that any negligence, such as discarding cigarette butts or lighting campfires, could lead to catastrophic fires.
Public urged to stay informed
BelTA reported an appeal from experts urging citizens to regularly check the dedicated website of the Ministry of Forestry, which features an interactive map showing current bans and restrictions. Details are also available at local forest agency offices.
– We expect the bans and restrictions on entering forests to remain in place across the country. This means a ban on driving private vehicles into forest areas, and in the case of a total ban, refraining from walking as well – said the Belarusian Ministry of Forestry in its statement.
– Citizens should regularly check the available information on the interactive map to avoid unintentional violations – added experts via BelTA.
The restrictions come amid a severe heatwave that has affected much of Eastern Europe. Meteorologists predict that temperatures will remain high in the coming days, keeping the fire risk elevated.
Źródło: Polsat News, Fot. BiełTA
