For three days, from 17 to 19 September, an exercise called “Lower Silesian Wilderness 2026” took place in the Węgliniec municipality. Firefighters, police officers, foresters, railway representatives and other rescue entities were involved in the operations. Firefighters from Bolesławiec also participated in the exercise. The exercise through the lens of Janusz Wilk:
Large-scale forest fire
One of the main episodes involved a fire in a forest complex within the Węgliniec Forest District. The scenario assumed the fire would spread rapidly across a significant area, requiring the involvement of a large number of fire units.
Night search in the forest
Another episode took place in the forest areas of the Ruszów Forest District. The services conducted a night search for a missing person.
Railcar collision with cars
The most extensive scenario concerned a mass-casualty incident at a railway crossing. It involved a railcar colliding with passenger cars.
The operations involved firefighters from the State Fire Service and Volunteer Fire Services, police officers, employees of the State Forests, representatives of PKP and Koleje Dolnośląskie, as well as firefighters from Germany.
They tested cooperation between numerous services
The primary purpose of the exercise was to test cooperation between various entities during incidents requiring the involvement of large numbers of rescuers and equipment. Among other things, the organization of command, communications, the ability to deploy substantial forces and resources, and logistical support for the operations were tested.
The organizers were also able to verify the procedures and solutions adopted in local plans and identify elements requiring further refinement.
The Węgliniec, Ruszów and Pieńsk Forest Districts, the Węgliniec Municipality, PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe, the Real Estate Management Branch, Koleje Dolnośląskie, Rescueed W&W, ZSZiL in Zgorzelec, and Volunteer Fire Service units from Węgliniec and Stary Węgliniec were among those involved in preparing and conducting the exercise.