Rescuers in the Gomel region have identified the three most common causes of fires.

March 25, Gomel. There have been 380 fires in the Gomel Region since the beginning of the year. Mikhail Lysov, HEAD of the supervision and prevention department of the Gomel Regional Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations , reported these figures at a press conference , according to a BelTA correspondent.

• 
  

The operational situation with fires and fatalities in the southeastern region has remained difficult since the beginning of the year. "There were 380 fires in the region, which is almost 50% more than in the same period last year. 32 people died, which is 45% more than in the same period last year. 30 people were injured, 25 people were rescued by the Ministry of Emergency Situations. As a result of the fire tragedies, 85 buildings were destroyed and another 210 were damaged. Thanks to the actions of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, 93 people were evacuated from the danger zone during the fires," Mikhail Lysov cited statistics.

Unemployed citizens of working age are at risk. Among the dead, there are 16 people in this category. 12 of the deceased are pensioners. "28 people were in a state of"Alcohol intoxication accounts for approximately 90%," noted the head of the supervision and prevention department of the regional department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Mikhail Lysov identified three main causes of fires. "First, careless handling of fire while smoking accounts for approximately 30% of the total number of fires. Considering the weather conditions that developed in February, we are seeing a significant increase in fires due to improper operation of heat-generating units and devices, as well as those related to the operation of stove heating. The most common fires are related to the operation of emergency power grids or electrical equipment," the rescuer explained.

To stabilize the situation in the country, a preventive interdepartmental campaign , "For Safety Together," has been launched, aimed at improving safety awareness among the population. During this period, rescuers will also assess housing stock during the spring and summer.

"The emphasis is on studying the living conditions of socially vulnerable citizens, who, based on statistics, are primarily at risk of fires and deaths in them. These are single individuals, those living alone, and families with children at risk. We also visit work places and crowded areas to promote fire safety in the home," explained Mikhail Lysov. As part of the campaign, any citizen

can contact their local branch of the Ministry of Emergency Situations and request an inspection of their home—an apartment or a house—for compliance with fire safety requirements.