According to the data from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, the first months of 2025 saw nearly 12 thousand fires recorded in ecosystems across the country. The main causes of these blazes are careless handling of fire: a discarded cigarette, a match, or intentional burning of dry grass. As a result, approximately 10 thousand hectares of Ukrainian land have burned, causing significant harm to nature and ecosystems.

Despite constant warnings, many people continue to burn grass, trash, and dry vegetation on their plots, yards, and fields. This issue becomes particularly pressing in spring and autumn when Ukrainians widely burn dry leaves, grass, and branches, mistakenly believing this practice boosts crop yields. In reality, this is a myth, and the damage from such burning is enormous.

What are the dangers associated with burning dry vegetation?

1. Destruction of soil fertility
   Fire kills the microflora involved in important biological processes. The fertile layer of soil takes about 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 dangers to human respiratory organs. The smoke from burnt leaves contains carcinogens that can lead to serious illnesses.

3. No benefits for the land
   Burning grass does not warm the soil, enrich it with nutrients, 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, causing devastation and additional burdens on emergency responders.

Instead of burning dry leaves and grass, one should choose safe disposal methods:

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

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine urges all citizens to treat the environment responsibly and avoid creating threats to themselves and others. Remember: burning dry vegetation brings no benefits, only harm to nature, health, and property!