Emergency services are battling a massive forest fire in Poland’s Roztocze region, which has already claimed the life of a pilot during critical firefighting operations.
Emergency Response and Aviation Tragedy
Minister of the Interior Marcin Kierwiński reported that the fire remains serious, with the next few hours being critical to its development. Authorities are utilizing a police Black Hawk helicopter, State Forestry helicopters, and two Dromader aircraft to combat the flames.
Tragedy struck during the operation when a Dromader firefighting aircraft crashed, resulting in the death of the pilot.
Fire Scale and Environmental Impact
The fire broke out Tuesday afternoon near the village of Kozaki in the Józefów forest district, initially covering 150 hectares. Deputy Commander Paweł Frysztak estimated the affected area could reach up to 250 hectares.
The blaze is spreading rapidly through tree crowns in difficult terrain, with a fire line currently measuring 800 meters. Smoke and the smell of burning have been detected as far as 60 kilometers from the site.
Public Safety Warnings
The Government Security Center (RCB) issued an alert for Biłgoraj county, specifically covering the municipalities of Łukowa, Józefów, and Aleksandrów. Residents are advised not to open windows and to follow all instructions from emergency services.
