Forest Fire near Wierzbowa

The incident took place on May 19.

Firefighters from Wierzbowa::

(...) at 6:47 a.m., OSP Wierzbowa was dispatched to a forest fire near our locality. We headed to the scene with two units.

In addition to firefighters from Wierzbowa, the operation involved firefighters from Gromadka and Różyniec, as well as a representative of the Chocianów Forest District. Forty ares of forest undergrowth burned.

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

How can forest fires be prevented?

As stated on gov.pl::

To prevent fires in forests, we appeal to everyone visiting these areas to follow the basic rules:

1. In forests and forest areas, in meadows, peat bogs and heaths, 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 residues,
   3. smoking tobacco, except on paved roads and in areas designated for people.
2. In national parks, use only designated trails. First, however, find out the forest fire danger level in effect on a given day and comply with it—an entry ban may have been announced.
3. Do not enter forest plantations or young stands up to 3 m high.
4. Use motor vehicles and horse-drawn vehicles only on roads marked with signposts.
5. 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; lighting fires is prohibited even in designated areas.

The government website also states:

The greatest fire danger in forest areas is caused by people spending their summer leisure time there and by people gathering forest fruits. The fire danger in forests is associated with frequent violations of fire regulations, above all the use of open fire in forests, including smoking cigarettes, lighting campfires and using grills in places not intended for these purposes. In addition, forest fires are caused by cigarette butts thrown from cars driving through forest areas.

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

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 in forests. Most fires occur when the forest fire danger level is at the highest, level III. As a rule, they are surface fires affecting the forest undergrowth, bushes and individual trees. Persistently high temperatures cause the forest floor and vegetation on the forest floor to dry out.