In June of this year, the number of fires that involved vegetation and caused water, soil or air pollution exceeded the total number of such incidents recorded throughout last year, according to data provided by the National Agency for Environmental Protection (ANPM).
Between January 1 and July 17, 2024, 21 vegetation fires occurred, which affected, among others, the Văcărești Delta, twice, the Comana National Park, from Giurgiu County, the Valea Ucea Mare and Dumbrava Vadului areas from Brașov County or the surrounding areas forestry Lacu Sărat and Brănești, from Brăila and Ilfov counties, respectively, according to the cited source. Also, Dâmbovița county continues to be a leader in this chapter, as in previous years. During the whole of last year, there were only 9 forest fires with a risk of air pollution.
“As has happened in most cases in recent years, the culprits are not caught and probably some don’t even realize the havoc they cause just by throwing an unextinguished cigarette out the car window. And those who suffer are the people in the areas where the fires are wreaking havoc, those who intervene to stop the flames and the environment in all its forms. In such cases, we have fines to scare for nothing and legal obligations regarding the greening of the affected areas, because, in fact, no one answers”, said Laurențiu Alexandru Păștinaru, ANPM president.
According to GEO no. 195/2005 on environmental protection, the burning of stubble, reeds, brushwood, forest litter and grassy vegetation constitutes a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine from 7,500 lei, to 15,000 lei, for individuals and from 50,000 lei and up to 100,000 lei, for legal entities. Moreover, if these surfaces are located in protected areas or on lands subject to ecological restoration, burning constitutes crimes and is penalized.
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