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

Despite ongoing warnings, many people continue to burn grass, waste, and dry vegetation on their properties. This issue becomes particularly acute in spring and autumn when Ukrainians mass-burn dry leaves, mistakenly believing it enhances productivity. In reality, this is a myth, and the damage from such burning is immense.

What are the dangers of burning dry vegetation?

1. Loss of soil fertility
   Fire destroys the microflora involved in essential biological processes. The fertile soil layer takes 5–6 years to recover after such burning.

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

3. No benefits for the soil
   Burning grass does not warm the soil, enrich it with nutrients, or promote the growth of new grass.

4. Risk of major fires
   A small fire can quickly escalate into an uncontrollable blaze, destroying homes, forests, and agricultural lands, causing damage and additional strain on rescuers.

Instead of burning dry leaves and grass, it is better to choose safe disposal methods:

• removing plant waste to designated landfills organized by local authorities;
• composting – a great way to create natural organic fertilizer for gardens.

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!