A fire broke out on Sunday, May 3rd, near Częstochowa, Poland, consuming approximately 15 hectares of forest and requiring extensive firefighting efforts.
Fire Reported Sunday Afternoon
The fire was reported to emergency services on Sunday, May 3rd, at 1:09 PM. By 4:30 PM, the fire had spread to cover around 15 hectares of young forest.
Extensive Firefighting Response
Fire units from the Częstochowa and Lubliniec districts, totaling around 30 units including volunteer fire brigades, were dispatched to the scene. Two firefighting helicopters and two firefighting aircraft were also deployed to support operations from the air.
Fire Contained, But Not Extinguished
Around 6:00 PM, the Częstochowa City Fire Brigade reported that the fire had been contained, but warned that “extinguishing will take many more hours.”
Wind Drives Fire Towards Homes
According to Informacje Częstochowskie, the fire front was approaching residential buildings by 4:00 PM. Strong winds were directing the fire towards homes and farms, though no injuries have been reported so far.
Difficult Terrain Complicates Efforts
Firefighting efforts are hampered by the difficult terrain. A Dromader aircraft from the State Forests is assisting, operating from a standby location at the Rudniki airfield, approximately 25 km from the fire.
High Fire Risk Across Poland
On Sunday, the Research Institute of Forestry reported a high fire risk in forests throughout the country, excluding mountainous areas. The Institute assesses the risk based on meteorological parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and the moisture content of pine needles, a key flammable material in Polish forests.
Edited by Kamila Cieślik
