After several hours of action, firefighters have contained and are now extinguishing a fire in dry reed beds that broke out on Sunday in the Biebrza National Park in the northeast of the country.
In total, 126 professional and volunteer firefighters took part in the operation, spokeswoman for the Podlaskie provincial fire chief, Junior Fire Officer Justyna Kłusewicz said.
More than 30 fire brigades, supported by a firefighting plane and a helicopter, have been deployed to contain the blaze, officials said.
Województwo podlaskie, powiat augustowski, niedzielne popołudnie. Potężny pożar trzcinowisk na terenie Biebrzańskiego Parku Narodowego. Spalony obszar to około 70 hektarów. Na miejscu z żywiołem walczy 120 strażaków i ochotników. W akcji ratowniczej biorą udział również… pic.twitter.com/EW8MxZMCfO
— Jacek Dobrzyński (@JacekDobrzynski) March 30, 2025
Difficult Conditions, Suspected Human Involvement
With peat present in the soil and severe drought conditions following a snowless winter, officials warn of the risk of underground fires.
“I find it very concerning that, despite such severe drought conditions, this has still happened—whether due to deliberate actions or sheer ignorance, I do not know,” said Artur Wiatr, director of Biebrza National Park.
Wiatr suggested human activity was the likely cause. “Despite our warnings and joint efforts with the fire service and police, it is clear that these precautions, unfortunately, are not having the desired effect. Every fire in the park is a loss for everyone: for nature and for the local community,” he said.Trwa walka z pożarem na terenie Biebrzańskiego Parku Narodowego !
— KP PSP AUGUSTÓW (@KPPSPAugustow) March 30, 2025
Na chwile obecną w działaniach udział biorą 22 zastępy straży pożarnej, dodatkowo drony oraz quady.
Niestety silny wiatr oraz bagienny teren utrudniają działania gaśnicze. pic.twitter.com/VnuOksUUYU
Authorities have deployed drones to track the fire’s spread, while specialized off-road Sherp vehicles are being used to transport personnel and equipment to difficult-to-reach areas.
Threat to Villages Averted
The fire threatened buildings in the village of Jastrzębna Pierwsza, but firefighters managed to prevent the flames from spreading further, according to RMF FM reporter Piotr Bułakowski.
Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesperson for the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration, said in a statement that 120 firefighters and volunteers are working at the scene.
“Park employees are also participating in the rescue operation, while aerial support is being provided by a plane and a helicopter from the State Forests,” he added.
The fire has not yet been fully contained, and efforts to control the blaze continue. Officials warn that the combination of dry conditions and the presence of peat could lead to prolonged challenges in extinguishing the flames.
