On Friday morning, firefighting efforts continue across 300 hectares on the border of Wołomin and Mińsk counties, as emergency crews struggle to contain a blaze that began Thursday afternoon in Międzyleś.
Current Operational Status
As of Friday morning, the fire remains uncontrolled, though its intensity has significantly decreased following overnight firefighting efforts. Over 800 firefighters from state and volunteer units, supported by 100 Territorial Defense soldiers and 227 vehicles, are working to prevent the flames from spreading further near National Road 50.
Aerial and Ground Coordination
Aerial support resumed at dawn, featuring a police Black Hawk helicopter equipped with a Bambi Bucket, alongside Dromader firefighting planes and State Forest helicopters. On Thursday alone, the Black Hawk completed 31 water drops, delivering 90 cubic meters of water to the fire zone.
Evacuations and Impact
Police report that 42 residents from 20 buildings in Rządza and Ołdakowizna have been evacuated to safety. No injuries have been reported, though National Road 50 remains closed to allow for emergency vehicle access and the construction of defensive lines, which included preventive tree felling.
Ongoing Investigation and Challenges
The cause of the fire is currently unknown, with arson not yet ruled out pending a full investigation. Dry conditions, lack of recent rainfall, and strong winds have accelerated the fire’s spread across private land and state forests. Firefighters estimate that while full containment is the goal for Friday, the total extinguishing of the site will take several more days of meticulous ground inspection.
