Kazakhstan’s allotment gardeners are concerned about new fire prevention measures. While previously the ban on lighting open fires only applied to forest plantations, the restrictions have now been extended to allotment plots.
According to Informburo.kz, the Department for Emergency Situations of the Karaganda Region stated that grilling meat on a barbecue or grill is permitted subject to a number of conditions: the appliance must be located no closer than 10 metres from buildings, weather conditions must be stable with no strong wind, and the barbecue itself must restrict the spread of flames.
As for lighting an open campfire, this is prohibited within a distance of less than 50 metres from buildings and structures.
According to the Deputy Head of the State Fire Control Department of the Emergency Situations Department of the Karaganda Region, Kurmet Zhumekenov, such bans are due to real risks.
"When the wind strengthens, the fire spreads quickly, and the allotment gardeners cannot control it. The burning of garden houses often occurs. For example, last week in the Pavlodar Region, 370 allotment plots burned down in one day. And it is all because of such incidents," the statement reads.
It is noted that over the past two weeks, more than ten people have already been fined in the region for burning dry grass. The total amount of fines is 78 thousand tenge.
To minimise risks, rescue services recommend burning waste exclusively in metal containers – preferably with a lid and a flue pipe. A container of water must be placed nearby, along with a fire extinguisher if available.