A special fire regime was introduced in Tomsk until May 12

A special fire regime has been announced in Tomsk for the period from April 25 to May 12, the city administration reported. Any open fire is prohibited, and violation of the rules will result in fines.

“Due to the melting of snow cover and increased fire danger, a special fire regime has been declared in Tomsk from April 25 to May 12. The use of any open fire, as well as burning of dry grass and leaves during this regime is strictly prohibited,” the mayor’s office said on Thursday.

Violation of fire safety requirements at this time will entail the imposition of administrative fines:

• for citizens – up to four thousand rubles;
• for officials – up to 30 thousand rubles;
• for entrepreneurs without forming a legal entity – up to 40 thousand rubles;
• for legal entities – up to 400 thousand rubles (according to Part 2 of Article 20.4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

The mayor’s office added that violation of fire safety rules in forests under conditions of a special fire regime (Part 3 of Article 8.32 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation) entails an administrative fine for individuals in the amount of up to five thousand rubles, for officials – up to 40 thousand, for legal entities – up to 500 thousand rubles.

On April 15, the start of the fire season was announced in the Tomsk region. During the fire season, it is prohibited to burn dry grass, leaves and garbage, make fires near the forest, or throw burning matches and cigarette butts. Patrolling in the forests has been stepped up, and 24-hour duty has been organized at forest fire stations. For violation of fire season rules, administrative fines are provided: 15-30 thousand rubles for citizens, 30-50 thousand rubles for officials, 100-400 thousand rubles for legal entities. At the same time, destruction or damage to forests due to careless handling of fire is subject to criminal liability – Article 261 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (destruction or damage to forest plantations).