“The situation remains highly dynamic. At present, the fire is not spreading and has been brought under control across a relatively large area,” stated Chief Commander of the State Fire Service (PSP), Brigadier General Wojciech Kruczek, during a briefing concerning the wildfire in Biebrza National Park.
He added that the fire front, stretching 1.9 kilometres, suggests the blaze is advancing deeper into the park. “It is not spreading and has been contained across a fairly large area,” he emphasized.
Kruczek reported that yesterday, 346 personnel from various services were engaged across two operational sectors, along with five helicopters, including a Black Hawk capable of transporting 3,000 litres of water. The four smaller helicopters can each carry 500 litres. He noted that, if necessary, an additional helicopter from the State Forests will be available on Tuesday. However, he underscored that, unfortunately, aerial water drops are not conducted during nighttime hours.
Five drone units are also operating at the scene.
“They are continuously providing visual monitoring of the operational area. Additionally, a Bayraktar drone has appeared in the sky at an altitude exceeding 5,000 meters and will be transmitting visual data,”
he explained.
He further informed that among the forces deployed are 196 firefighters from the State Fire Service (PSP) and Volunteer Fire Service (OSP), 50 soldiers from the Territorial Defence Forces (WOT), 60 foresters from the State Forests, and 20 personnel from Biebrza National Park. The operation also involves 80 police officers responsible for securing the site.
Kruczek noted that, as of now, a reserve force of 138 personnel, including members of the WOT, remains on standby. Additional units are also arriving from other regions of Poland. “By Tuesday morning, we expect to have nearly 300 personnel available in total, should an unfavourable scenario in the fire’s progression arise. Conditions overnight may lead to developments that will cause concern by morning,” he said.