After two days of intensive combat, firefighters have brought the massive blaze in Poland’s Puszcza Solska under control, despite the tragic death of a pilot during the operation.
Unprecedented Mobilization: Services Mobilized
Following two days of intense struggle against the flames, services have stabilized the situation in Puszcza Solska. As reported by MSWiA head Marcin Kierwiński on Thursday, the entire fire area is under control, though firefighters continue to extinguish numerous hotspots scattered across the scorched land.
The operation involved nearly 600 personnel, including 440 firefighters from across Poland. Aerial efforts included approximately 500 water drops delivering over 600 tons of water, utilizing helicopters, Dromader firefighting aircraft, and military Black Hawks.
“Moderate Optimism” After a Difficult Night
“After this difficult night, we are moderately optimistic,” Kierwiński stated during a press conference in Józefów. He emphasized that the threat to nearby homes has significantly decreased due to the special fire defense lines established by firefighters and foresters.
Despite the improved situation, services continue to battle hot spots hidden within the burned area. Firefighters are utilizing thermal imaging cameras to map high-temperature zones for targeted water drops to prevent the wind from reigniting the fire.
Irreplaceable Losses in the Heart of Nature
Chief Commander of the State Fire Service Wojciech Kruczek reported that potentially dangerous spots are scattered throughout nearly the entire burned area. Preliminary estimates indicate that approximately 300 hectares of forest have burned, while the total operational area covers up to 1,000 hectares.
Climate Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska informed that the fire consumed part of a precious forest where a nature reserve was planned. Environmental losses will be fully assessed only after the firefighting operations conclude.
Tragic Turn of Events: A Shadow Over the Rescue Operation
The fire broke out Tuesday afternoon in the Biłgoraj district within Puszcza Solska, one of the most ecologically valuable areas in the Lubelszczyzna region. The area contains nature reserves, Natura 2000 sites, and habitats for protected species of plants and animals.
The operation took a tragic dimension following the crash of a Dromader firefighting aircraft. The machine crashed during rescue efforts, and the pilot was killed on the spot.