Warning against grass burning: Threat to the environment and people's lives

With the coming of spring, Poland faces a serious problem – burning grasses, which may have tragic consequences for the environment and life of people. Since the beginning of 2025, nearly 14 1000 grass fires have been recorded in the country, a crucial increase compared to erstwhile years.

Penalties and sanctions: Severe legal sanctions endanger grass burning. Pursuant to Article 130a of the Nature Conservation Act, for the removal of vegetation by firing from agricultural land, railway areas, road lanes, reeds or sluars, there is simply a threat of imprisonment, restrictions on freedom or fines up to PLN 30 000. Additionally, if grass burning causes a fire that threatens people's lives or health, the perpetrator may be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 10 years.

Consequences for farmers: Farmers who choose to burn grass are exposed not only to financial penalties but besides to the failure of direct payments. The Agency for the Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture may reduce or completely retreat financial support for persons violating the ban on grass burning. Since 2015, financial sanctions have been imposed on 156 farmers, of which 18 have lost all funding.

Soil degradation and biodiversity destruction: Grass burning leads to dirt degradation and biodiversity destruction. Fire is simply a immense threat to microorganisms, insects pollinating flowers, birds or tiny mammals. Grass burning besides weakens the soil's ability to hold water, which negatively affects its fertility.

The call for cessation: The fire department and another services call for cessation of grass burning. Fire frequently gets out of control, leading to forest fires, buildings, and threatening the lives of humans and animals. all case of grass burning is not only a financial risk, but above all a real danger to the environment.

Alternative methods of land management: alternatively of reaching for outdated and harmful methods, it is worth looking for alternative, safe ways of managing land. Mechanical methods specified as mowing or cutting can be used, which not only reduce biomass but besides improve dirt structure and increase biodiversity.

Statistics: According to the National Fire Department Headquarters, 12,456 grass fires were recorded in 2022, an increase of 25% compared to the erstwhile year. Burning grass is 1 of the main causes of fires in Poland.

Environment: Environmental protection and human safety depend on liable decisions of each of us. alternatively of reaching for outdated and harmful methods, it is worth looking for alternative, safe ways of managing land. This allows us to minimize the hazard of fires and defend the environment from degradation and destruction.