Changes in the Rules of the fire regime do not prohibit smoking on the balcony, explained in the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia.

“The decision does not prohibit smoking on the balcony, but it is necessary to remember responsibility before the law, caution, one’s own safety and the safety of others,” the department’s information message published on September 28 said.

The agency warned that fires on balconies and loggias are systematic and turned to statistics.

“In 2016, 907 fires occurred on balconies and loggias, in 2017 - 1478, in 2018 - 1964, in 2019, since the beginning of the year, 1823 fires have already occurred. The figure is growing annually, ”the Ministry of Emergencies stated.

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The number of deaths from fires on the balcony over the past year was 12 people, another 135 were injured.

“60% of cases - carelessness when smoking, 40% - the launch of firecrackers, the use of barbecue, malfunctions with wiring or electrical appliances,” the Ministry of Emergencies said.

The press service of the department also noted that the ban on open fire on balconies and loggias will help reduce the number of fires, casualties and loss of property.

“From October 1, it will be easier for victims to recover from those responsible for damage caused by careless handling of fire,” the report said.

Earlier, news agencies reported, including with reference to representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, that changes in the Rules of the fire regime relate to smoking on the balcony.

The agency cited statistics according to which carelessness during smoking causes about 60% of fires on the balconies of residential buildings. Especially in the Ministry of Emergency Situations emphasized that the new procedure will more effectively bring to justice the perpetrator of the fire that occurred due to violations.

“Thanks to changes in the fire regulations, it will be easier for victims to recover losses from the guilty person. Previously, it was not possible to bring the perpetrator to justice. After the amendments enter into force, the true guilty parties will be responsible by law and compensate for the harm that they caused, ”the press service of the Ministry of Emergencies said.

The agency indicated that the main objective of the new rules is to enhance a safety culture.

Soon after the publication of information about the alleged restriction of smoking on balconies, in Russia, support for this initiative was expressed at various levels, including in the Kremlin.

“The Kremlin has a positive attitude to any decisions that help save lives. We know how many fires occur, many of them have very tragic consequences and public outcry. Therefore, any saved life justifies such decisions, ”Dmitry Peskov told reporters. His words are quoted by RIA Novosti.

Commenting on a possible ban, Peskov separately noted the position of the head of state regarding smoking. According to the presidential spokesman, Vladimir Putin advocates a healthy lifestyle, and among his colleagues there are “a few units” of smokers.

“In general, this is very unpopular now, which is encouraging. The President, you know, always did not welcome smoking, is a supporter of a healthy lifestyle, and the whole working atmosphere - I mean all the colleagues, employees, and employees who somehow provide the president’s work - practically no one smokes. " - noted Peskov.

In addition, the Ministry of Health announced the positive effect of smoking restrictions. The deputy head of the department Oleg Salagai in his Telegram channel said that "smoking can kill in different ways."

“It says on every pack of cigarettes that smoking kills. But killing smoking can be different. One of the most monstrous ways is fire. In order to start supporting any fire protection forever, you need to visit the children's burn department at least once, ”he said.

He also noted that the fire threatens not only smokers. In support of this idea, he cited as an example the situation when a cigarette butt thrown from a balcony is blown onto the lower floors by the wind.

“And if there is something flammable, then there may be a fire for those who do not even suspect smoking above the floor. I’m especially sure that I will be understood by the parents of young children, who are often placed during the day to sleep in the fresh air on the balcony, ”the official concluded.