The Polish military is assisting firefighting efforts with 105 soldiers, 10 military vehicles, and a Bayraktar TB-2 drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera.
The drone helps detect underground fires and hidden sources of flames, providing real-time data to command units. Approximately 300 firefighters and 60 park employees are also involved in controlling the fire, which is the largest this spring in the region.
Authorities in Augustów, in northeastern Poland, are gathering evidence ahead of a formal investigation into the cause of the fire, which is suspected to be intentional.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced discussions on tougher penalties for arson, calling for stricter rules against deliberate fires or "obviously reckless stupidity."
The head of Polish government emphasized that harsher penalties could help instill greater discipline, with further discussions planned during Tuesday's government session.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak, and Podlaskie Voivode Jacek Brzozowski held a briefing with emergency services on April 21, 2025, regarding a wildfire in Biebrza National Park that has spread across 450 hectares of dry reed beds and meadows. Photo: PAP/Artur Reszko
The site of the burned area after a fire in the Biebrza National Park near the village of Polkowo, located in northeastern Poland, spans approximately 450 hectares. Photo: PAP/Artur Reszko
According to the Chief Commander of the State Fire Service, 346 personnel from various services, including firefighters, military, forestry workers, and park employees, along with five helicopters, were involved in the firefighting operation on Monday afternoon. Photo: PAP/Artur Reszko
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Poland battles 450 hectare peat fire in Biebrza National Park; crews focus on underground hotspots
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Source: IAR/PAP/X/@DGeneralneRSZ