The first forest fire in Milików occurred on June 8.

View photo: Firefighting operations in Milików View photo: Firefighting operations in Milików View photo: Firefighting operations in Milików

Firefighters from Nowogrodziec:

At the scene, forest-floor litter was burning over an area of 30 ares. Five water jets were deployed. Operations were hampered by the lack of access for fire engines (a 300-meter-long water line was laid), the steep terrain of the former mine, and the need to transport water from the nearest hydrant. The operations lasted approximately three hours.

That was not the end of it, however. The firefighters:

On June 9, 2024, at 12:00 p.m., walkers noticed that the burned area in Milików had started to smolder again. After our crew arrived at the scene, three additional crews were called in, and efforts were once again undertaken to extinguish the fire, whose sources were hidden beneath the surface due to the nature of the ground.

Firefighters from the following units took part in the operations:

  • OSP KSRG Nowogrodziec
  • OSP KSRG Ocice
  • OSP Zebrzydowa
  • OSP Gierałtów
  • JRG Bolesławiec.

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 the basic rules:

  1. In forests and forested areas, in meadows, peat bogs and heathlands, as well as within 100 meters of the forest boundary, the following are prohibited:
    1. lighting fires outside designated areas,
    2. burning the topsoil and plant residue,
    3. smoking, 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 follow it—perhaps entering the forest has been prohibited.
  3. Do not enter forest plantations or young stands up to 3 meters tall.
  4. Travel by 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 – extreme danger; fires must 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 holidays there and by people gathering forest fruits. The fire danger to forests is linked to widespread violations of fire-safety regulations, above all the use of open flames in forests, including smoking cigarettes, lighting campfires and using barbecues in places not designated for these purposes. Forest fires are also caused by cigarette butts being thrown from cars driving through forested areas.

A forest’s susceptibility to fire depends primarily on weather conditions. These affect the moisture content of the forest floor litter; when it falls below 28%, the litter’s susceptibility to ignition increases considerably. Forests are 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 level is at its highest, level III. They are generally surface fires, burning the forest undergrowth, shrubs and individual trees. Persistently high temperatures cause the forest floor litter and vegetation on the forest floor to dry out.