An investigation is underway in Poland into the causes of a large-scale fire that broke out in the Biebrza National Park on Sunday. This is reported by Gazeta Wybarcza, UNN reports.
Details
According to reports, the fire engulfed 90 hectares of dry grass and reeds, and its elimination required considerable efforts from rescuers and environmentalists.
As officials stated during a press conference in Krasnybor, the situation was brought under control thanks to the coordinated actions of 126 firefighters, including both professionals and volunteers. Weather conditions played an important role in containing the elements: the wind did not spread the flames, and the rain helped to finally extinguish it.
Podlaskie Voivode Jacek Brzozowski reminded that burning dry vegetation is illegal and can cause catastrophic consequences. He also compared this fire to a similar tragedy in 2020, when more than 5.5 thousand hectares of land burned down in the Biebrza Park.
The police have already launched an investigation to determine whether the incident was caused by arson. If someone's guilt is proven, the perpetrator faces up to 10 years in prison. The commandant of the voivodeship police in Bialystok, Kamil Borkowski, announced increased patrols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Law enforcement officers urge citizens to be conscious and refrain from burning grass in order to avoid environmental disasters and threats to people and animals living in the national park.