On May 14, at 10:46 p.m., firefighters from Osiecznica were dispatched to a fire in forested areas in the same locality.

The danger was eliminated; fortunately, no one was injured.

In addition to the firefighters from Osiecznica, firefighters from Bolesławiec, Przejęsław and Parowa also took part in the operation.

How can forest fires be prevented?

As we read on gov.pl::

To prevent fires in forests, we appeal to everyone staying in these areas to observe basic rules:

  1. In forests and forest-adjacent areas, in meadows, peat bogs and heathlands, as well as within 100 m of the forest boundary, the following are prohibited:
    1. lighting fires outside designated areas,
    2. burning the topsoil and plant residue,
    3. smoking tobacco, except on paved roads and in areas designated for people’s use.
  2. In national parks, let us use only designated trails. First, however, you should find out the forest fire danger level in force on a given day and comply with it—perhaps entry to the forest has been prohibited.
  3. Let us not enter forest plantations or young stands up to 3 m high.
  4. Let us use motor vehicles and animal-drawn vehicles only on roads marked with road signs.
  5. Let us remember what the forest fire danger levels mean:
    1. 0 – no danger,
    2. I – low danger,
    3. II – high danger; be careful,
    4. III – catastrophic danger; fires may not be lit even in designated areas.

The government website also states:

The greatest fire danger in forested areas is caused by people enjoying summer recreation in these areas and by people gathering wild forest fruits. The forest fire danger is connected with the widespread violation of fire-safety regulations, above all the use of open flames in forests, including smoking cigarettes, lighting campfires and using grills in places not intended for these purposes. Forest fires also start when cigarette butts are thrown from cars driving through forested areas.

Forest susceptibility to fire depends primarily on weather conditions. They affect the moisture content of the forest litter, whose decline below 28% significantly increases its susceptibility to ignition. A forest is excellent combustible material. However, a fire requires a source of ignition to start.

People are responsible for more than 90% of forest fires.

Arson, the burning of vegetation in early spring and human carelessness are just some of the causes of fires starting in forests. Most fires occur at the highest, level III forest fire danger. They are generally surface fires, burning the forest undergrowth, shrubs and individual trees. Persistently high temperatures cause the forest litter and vegetation on the forest floor to dry out.