People caught lighting bonfires will face fines of thousands of lei for polluting the air. A common practice in Moldova on the night before Easter, bonfires can be extremely polluting especially since people often burn discarded tires in them.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has warned in a public reminder that burning tires releases as many as 23 harmful chemical substances into the air, eight of which are carcinogens. Breathing in such air may cause bronchitis, astma, lung intoxication or nervous system conditions. Wind can carry the harmful substances as far as 160 kilometers away from the source.
The public is reminded that environment inspectors, forest rangers and other law enforcement will patrol forests and areas at increased risks of fires.
Causing air pollution is an administrative offense punishable by fines of up to 3,000 lei for individuals and up to 25,000 lei for legal entities.
Members of the public looking to have picnics in forested areas during holidays are asked to do so in specially designated places in order to avoid causing fires, among other reasons.