A significant fire broke out on Easter Sunday afternoon in Podlesie Duże, Białobrzeg County, Poland, consuming dozens of hectares of wasteland and forest.
Fire Breaks Out in Białobrzeg County
A large fire erupted on April 5th, Easter Sunday, after 2:00 PM in Podlesie Duże, Stromiec commune, Białobrzeg County. The fire affected wasteland and forested areas, burning several dozen hectares.
Firefighters successfully contained the fire front before it reached any buildings, and no injuries were reported.
Extensive Firefighting Operation
At its peak, 15 fire crews participated in the firefighting efforts. Dromader firefighting aircraft made six water drops on the burning area.
The scale of the operation indicates the fire spread rapidly and covered a large area.
Probable Cause: Arson from Field Burning
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire was likely caused by the illegal burning of a field. Strong winds contributed to the rapid spread of flames from the wasteland into the forest.
Firefighters managed to protect nearby buildings, preventing further damage.
Statements from Forestry Officials
Nadleśnictwo Dobieszyn, Lasy Państwowe (State Forests) stated, “Human thoughtlessness does not diminish during the holidays, and may even increase in intensity… Today, several hectares of our forest burned in a large fire. The fire spread from wasteland to forested areas.”
They also noted, “15 fire units and firefighting aircraft operating within the State Forests’ fire protection system were involved. Dromadery made 6 water drops. The conditions for extinguishing were very difficult today – strong winds spread the fire quickly.”
Warnings About Illegal Burning
Regionalna Dyrekcja Lasów Państwowych w Radomiu (Regional Directorate of State Forests in Radom) reported, “Unfortunately, today did not end peacefully for Nadleśnictwo Dobieszyn, Lasy Państwowe. This is what happens when fire spreads from wasteland adjacent to forests.”
They added, “Several dozen hectares burned, including wasteland and forests. 15 fire units extinguished the fire, and we also made 6 drops from State Forests’ firefighting aircraft, which are part of our fire protection system. Conditions for extinguishing fires were difficult today, it’s windy. A storm is approaching from Warsaw… we need rain, the grasses and undergrowth are still dry.”
PSP Reminds of Legal Consequences
The State Fire Service (PSP) reminds the public, as part of the “Stop Grass Fires” campaign, that burning is illegal and very dangerous, and that fire can quickly spread to homes, fields, and forests in dry and windy conditions.
PSP also emphasizes that burning vegetation carries legal penalties, including fines of up to 30,000 złoty, and in more serious cases, criminal liability. Such fires pose a real threat to people, property, and the environment.
