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According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, nearly 12,000 fires occurred in ecosystems across the country in the first months of 2025. The main causes of these fires are careless handling of fire: a discarded cigarette, a match, or intentional burning of dry grass. As a result, approximately 10,000 hectares of Ukrainian land have burned, causing significant damage to nature and ecosystems.

Despite ongoing warnings, many individuals continue to burn grass, trash, and dry vegetation in their gardens, yards, and fields. This issue becomes particularly acute in spring and autumn when Ukrainians mass burn dry leaves, grass, and branches, mistakenly believing it enhances crop yields. In reality, this is a myth, and the damage caused by such burning is immense.

What are the dangers of burning dry vegetation?

  1. Destruction of soil fertility
    The fire kills microorganisms involved in essential biological processes. The fertile layer of soil takes about 5–6 years to recover after such burning.

  2. Harmful effects on health
    During the combustion of dry vegetation, toxic substances are released into the air, which are hazardous to human respiratory organs. Smoke from burned leaves contains carcinogens that can lead to serious diseases.

  3. No benefit to the land
    Burning grass does not heat the soil, enrich it with nutrients, or promote the growth of new plants.

  4. Risk of large-scale fires
    A small fire can quickly escalate into an uncontrollable blaze that destroys homes, forests, and agricultural land, causing devastation and increasing the burden on firefighters.

Instead of burning dry leaves and grass, consider 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 act responsibly towards the environment and not create threats to themselves and others. Remember: burning dry vegetation brings no benefits, only harm to nature, health, and property!