According to the ministry, the Cabinet approved a number of requirements for ensuring fire safety. The legal act prohibits the use of open fire on balconies and loggias of apartments, in living rooms of hostels and hotel rooms.
“Thus, citizens have no right to fry kebabs on balconies, light candles and even, in principle, smoke,” the message said.
Moreover, for violation of these rules, administrative liability is provided, including warnings and “fines for individuals in the amount of up to three thousand rubles, or up to five thousand rubles, if a fire occurs as a result of violations of the rules”.
“For the most part, smokers will be held accountable whose bad habit has caused a fire. In addition, smoking can lead to criminal penalties if, for example, a balcony or several apartments burn out due to an abandoned cigarette butt, ”the department said.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations added that, according to statistics, the cause of 60% of fires on balconies is carelessness when smoking.
Earlier, the ministry said that the ban on smoking on balconies will enter into force on October 1.