Volunteer firefighters from Jadów have launched a fundraising campaign to replace essential gear and a fire truck destroyed while battling a massive 300-hectare forest blaze near Międzyleś on May 28, 2026.
Escalation of the Międzyleś Blaze
The fire began on Thursday, May 28, 2026, initially reported as a routine 2,500-square-meter forest floor fire. However, strong winds, high temperatures, and severe drought caused the flames to spread rapidly, eventually consuming approximately 300 hectares of forest and forcing local resident evacuations.
Emergency Evacuation and Equipment Loss
The Jadów Volunteer Fire Department (OSP Jadów) arrived around 3:00 PM and was deployed to the Daria 1 combat sector. As the fire shifted to the treetops, the situation became life-threatening, forcing the crew to abandon hoses, distributors, and nozzles in the flames during an emergency retreat.
Operational Impact and Vehicle Failure
Beyond the lost gear, the unit suffered a critical blow when their Star 266 fire truck caught fire and sustained mechanical failure during the operation. While the crew escaped without injury, the vehicle was rendered inoperable, leaving the department with a severe shortage of essential firefighting resources.
Appeal for Public Support
Despite the damage, the Jadów firefighters continued to support the multi-day operation with logistics and water delivery. They are now appealing for donations to restore their operational readiness by purchasing a replacement vehicle and replenishing the lost equipment.
