The incident occurred on May 18. At 2:39 p.m. firefighters from Osiecznica were dispatched to a forest undergrowth fire in Ołobok.

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

Firefighters from Osiecznica and Parowa 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 follow basic rules:

  1. In forests and forest areas, in meadows, peat bogs and heathlands, as well as within 100 m of the forest boundary, the following are prohibited:
    1. starting fires outside designated areas,
    2. burning the topsoil and plant remains,
    3. smoking tobacco, except on paved roads and in areas designated for people.
  2. In national parks, let us travel only along designated trails. Beforehand, however, one should find out the forest fire danger level in effect on a given day and adapt to it—perhaps entry into 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 signposts.
  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 spending their summer leisure time there and by people collecting forest fruits. The fire danger to forests is linked to the widespread violation of fire-safety regulations, above all the use of open flames in forests—that is, smoking cigarettes, lighting campfires and using grills in places not intended for these purposes. In addition, forest fires are caused by cigarette butts being thrown from cars driving through forested areas.

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

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

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