The “Siemianówka 2025” exercises, which run through April 2, focus on potential large-scale migrant pressure at the frontier, as well as other crisis scenarios.
The training involves some 200 firefighters from four voivodeships, along with around 70 specialized vehicles from various services. Crews are practicing advanced rescue operations in difficult environments, such as waterlogged terrain and marshes, as well as managing large-scale incidents and coordinating multi-agency responses.
“When we look at the situation along our country’s borders, we see that the state must be ready for any circumstances,” Deputy Interior Minister Wiesław Leśniakiewicz told reporters on Tuesday in Siemianówka. “That’s why we’re organizing these exercises.”
He highlighted the strategic significance of Podlaskie, along with the other eastern provinces—Warmińsko-Mazurskie, Lubelskie, and Podkarpackie—at the frontier of the European Union.
“The strength of the state lies in the cooperation of various services and inspections,” Leśniakiewicz added, underscoring the importance of synergy among firefighters, border guards, and other responders.
The drills are built around an event in which the Border Guard calls upon firefighters and other personnel for backup when a large group of migrants crosses from Belarus into Poland. Sub-scenarios include rescuing people from water and mud or subduing potentially dangerous individuals.
Participants include specialized water-and-diving teams, high-angle rescue and technical units, and drone groups.
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Source: PAP, IAR