Dangerous conditions or an inability to fly at night – Minister Marcin Kierwiński did not clearly explain why Black Hawk helicopters were not deployed immediately in the firefighting operation. Media reports indicated that the reason was the lack of an available flight crew on site.
In the Solska Forest in the Lublin Voivodeship, firefighters have been battling a large wildfire for nearly 24 hours, which is estimated to cover around 300 hectares of woodland. The Chief Commander of the State Fire Service, Wojciech Kruczek, stated that the fire outbreaks are located in hard-to-reach areas, making aerial firefighting necessary. During one such flight, a Dromader aircraft crashed into the ground. The pilot died at the scene.
Firefighters can also rely on support from the police, which operate two Black Hawk helicopters purchased with funds from the National Fund for Environmental Protection and used precisely in such situations.
They waited a long time for help
However, firefighters had to wait more than 12 hours for this assistance. During a morning press conference, Marcin Kierwiński was asked by TV Republika reporter Michał Gwardyński why the decision was made to deploy police Black Hawks only the day after the fire broke out.
“Because at night, Black Hawks would not have been able to carry out this operation. That seems quite natural,” the Minister of the Interior stated.
In the next sentence, he added that it was a decision made by the commanders, motivated by the safety of those involved in the operation.
What was the real reason?
This, however, contradicts information reported by several sources, which indicated that the direct reason was the inability to assemble a full crew.
The situation was also commented on by Mariusz Błaszczak, who on TV Republika described Kierwiński’s remarks as “a clear lack of competence” and reminded that Black Hawks are capable of flying at night.
“They are equipped with the capability to fly at night,” he repeated.
Gabriela Lenartowicz, an MP from Civic Platform (KO), was also mentioned in the context.
Internet users pointed out that the same helicopters had been used earlier this year for… de-icing railway infrastructure. “The rotor quickly knocks snow off trees. Such weight causes them to bend, lean, and often fall toward railway tracks and overhead lines, ultimately blocking the routes,” PKP PLK boasted.