23.10.2026
Annual statistics confirm that the majority of fires occur in residential buildings. At the same time, the main cause of death remains the human factor: citizens’ own carelessness, ignorance of basic fire safety rules or deliberate disregard for them.
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As of October 20, 2026, 5,444 fires occurred in Belarus. Of the total number of fires, the housing stock accounts for 77.8%.
The main causes of fires:
Due to careless handling of fire, 1,720 fires occurred (31.6% of all fires). Of these, 891 fires were caused by careless handling of fire while smoking.
Due to violations of the rules for the installation and operation of electrical networks and electrical equipment, 1,759 fires occurred (32.3% of all fires).
Due to violations of the rules of installation and operation of furnaces, heat generating units and devices, 1,162 fires occurred (21.3% of all fires).
Those who died in the fires:
The number of people killed in the fires was 413, including 3 children. Most of the tragedies occurred in the residential sector.
The largest number of people died from fires caused by careless handling of fire – 282 people (68.3%). Of these, 240 people (85.1%) died due to careless handling of fire while smoking.
Of the total number of people killed in fires, 246 (59.6%) were intoxicated.
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In order to increase the level of safety culture among the population, the Ministry of Emergency Situations organized a traditional republican preventive action to prevent fires and deaths from them in the housing stock “For Safety Together” from October 24 to November 1. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Housing and Communal Services, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Energy, and the Belarusian Voluntary Fire Society will join the events.
During the campaign, the focus will be on examining the fire-fighting condition of households of single and lonely elderly citizens, disabled people, families with children in a socially dangerous situation, conducting instructional and explanatory work with them on compliance with fire safety rules, as well as informing the public about the possibilities of government organizations to provide services to ensure their safety.
IMPORTANT: as part of the campaign, anyone can contact the territorial authorities and emergency departments to conduct a fire safety survey of their homes.
We remind you that in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Belarus, responsibility for compliance with fire safety requirements in residential buildings owned by citizens on the right of private ownership is assigned to their owners. Therefore, check the functionality of the autonomous fire detectors, and in case of their absence, install them in the residential premises of the household. Pay attention to the serviceability of the heating equipment and electrical wiring. Do not leave children unattended by adults.
Take part in the action and be safe!
