Major Fire Erupts In Biebrza National Park

On April 20, 2025, a significant fire broke out in the Biebrza National Park, located in northeastern Poland, prompting a large-scale emergency response. The blaze was reported at approximately 2:31 PM, with flames consuming dry grass and reed beds in the area, particularly at the junction of the Augustów and Mońki districts, near the village of Kopytkowo.

According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior and Administration, Jacek Dobrzyński, the initial response involved 24 fire trucks and around 80 firefighters. However, as the situation escalated, the number of responders increased significantly. By the evening, approximately 180 firefighters were on-site, utilizing 93 vehicles, including specialized equipment like quads and Sherp vehicles to navigate the challenging terrain.

In addition to ground efforts, aerial support was deployed, with the State Forests (Lasy Państwowe) mobilizing a Dromader firefighting plane and a rescue helicopter to assist in battling the flames. The fire front was reported to have extended to approximately 1 kilometer, making containment efforts increasingly difficult.

"The situation is developing very dynamically," Dobrzyński stated, highlighting the rapid spread of the fire. Reports indicated that the fire had already affected an area exceeding 60 hectares, with the potential for further expansion if not controlled swiftly.

As the fire raged on, a crisis staff was convened at the Voivodeship Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Białystok. This team included key officials such as the Podlaski Voivode Jacek Brzozowski and the regional commander of the State Fire Service. They coordinated efforts with representatives from the police, State Forests, and military forces, ensuring a comprehensive response to the emergency.

In light of the fire, the Government Security Center issued alerts to residents in the surrounding districts, including Augustów, Grajewo, and Mońki, advising them to stay away from the affected areas and adhere to the instructions from emergency services. The public was warned to avoid approaching the fire zone, as the situation was deemed hazardous.

Firefighters faced significant challenges due to dry conditions in the region, which have heightened the risk of wildfires. Dobrzyński noted that the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. However, local authorities are investigating previous incidents of arson, including a recent case where a person was spotted potentially setting fires in the vicinity.

The Biebrza National Park has seen multiple fires this spring, with another significant blaze occurring just three weeks prior, which resulted in the loss of nearly 90 hectares of reeds and dry grass. That earlier fire also required extensive firefighting efforts, drawing over 120 firefighters and lasting several hours.

As the current fire continues to spread, the impact on the local ecosystem and wildlife is a growing concern. Firefighters and forest officials are working tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent further destruction. The use of drones and specialized firefighting units has become crucial in navigating the difficult landscape and monitoring the fire's progression.

Authorities stress the importance of fire safety and remind the public that burning grass is illegal. Those caught engaging in such activities can face severe penalties, including fines of up to 30,000 PLN or imprisonment for up to ten years if the fire endangers property, health, or life.

The ongoing situation in Biebrza National Park serves as a stark reminder of the environmental challenges posed by dry conditions and human activity. As firefighters continue their efforts, the community remains hopeful for a swift resolution to this crisis.