Open fire banned within 150 meters of forest edge

Despite warnings from competent authorities about the danger of open fires, it is evident that the burning of dry grass, branches, and low vegetation is being carried out without the necessary safety measures, i.e., equipment and devices for fire suppression, which often results in forest fires.

In order to prevent unwanted consequences, primarily forest fires, forestry inspectors of the Cantonal Administration for Inspection Affairs of the Sarajevo Canton will intensify activities in the coming period to record and sanction irresponsible individuals and legal entities.

- We remind citizens that Article 30 of the Law on Forests of the Sarajevo Canton prohibits lighting open fires on forest land, as well as on other land, within a distance of up to 150 m from the forest edge. Fires in forests and on forest land may only be lit at locations designated and marked by the Forestry Administration and private forest owners, in compliance with prescribed conditions and safety measures.

For non-compliance with these regulations, the legislator has prescribed fines: for forest users or other legal entities that light or allow lighting of fires, from 10,000.00 to 12,000.00 KM, and for individuals from 200.00 KM to 1,500.00 KM.

In forests and on forest lands intended for picnic areas, on holidays and other non-working days, the Forestry Administration is obliged to provide a guard service on duty that records any improper open fire lighting and submits reports on this to the inspection authorities for appropriate proceedings.

In case of uncontrolled spread of fire, we recommend that citizens immediately notify the fire department at phone number 123, the Cantonal Operational Center for Civil Protection at number 121, or the police at number 122 - said the Cantonal Administration for Inspection Affairs.