Fire hazard in Polish forests is increasing. Stay alert!

Summer has only just begun, and already hectares of forest are burning. Over a single weekend near Toruń, a series of arsons took place. Fire not only destroys nature, but also threatens people and infrastructure. Due to intensifying droughts, the fire hazard is becoming an increasingly serious issue that demands rapid responses and greater public awareness.

Deliberate forest arsons near Toruń

On Saturday, June 21, nine fires broke out in forests near Toruń. Flames erupted simultaneously in several locations between Czernikowo and Bobrowniki, within the Dobrzejewice Forest District. It is estimated that over 3 hectares of forest burned, although foresters emphasize that the environmental losses are incalculable. Trees, shrubs, forest floor vegetation – habitats for wild animals – were all destroyed.
The firefighting effort involved not only local volunteer and professional fire units but also a Dromader aircraft and a helicopter, which carried out a total of 79 water drops. Firefighters were operating in three separate locations at once, highlighting the scale of the threat.

According to the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Toruń, all indications point to deliberate arson. Foresters are urging extreme caution and vigilance. If you see fire or suspicious individuals in the forest, call 112 or notify the Forest Fire Alert and Dispatch Point immediately.

Fire threat in Lubusz and other regions

According to the Forest Data Bank, the greatest fire risk currently exists in central and southwestern Poland. These areas are experiencing high temperatures, no rainfall, and extremely dry forest litter – all conditions that allow fire to spread very rapidly.

The most dangerous situation is in the Lubusz Voivodeship, especially around Gorzów Wielkopolski. This region is heavily forested, and the dry soil significantly increases the likelihood of fire.
Moderate risk levels apply to:

• parts of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship,
• southern parts of the Silesian Voivodeship,
• Małopolska – especially the Kraków area.

It’s important to remember that most forest fires are caused by human activity and are usually the result of carelessness or ignoring basic safety rules.

70 forest fires recorded in June

According to data from the State Forests, as of early June, forestry services recorded as many as 70 forest fires – just two fewer than in the same period last year. The total area affected by fire was 10.95 hectares, nearly identical to June 2024 (11.64 ha). While this stability might seem like good news, it is misleading. The fire risk remains very serious, especially during prolonged droughts and in areas where temperatures are rising rapidly.

How to reduce fire risk in the forest?

• Do not use open flames in or near the forest (within 100 meters).
• Do not smoke in the forest.
• Do not burn grass.
• Do not leave behind glass bottles or other waste (do not litter!).
• Do not block forest roads. Emergency services must have clear access.
• If you see smoke or fire, report it immediately by calling 112.