Polish military uses Bayraktar drone to aid in Biebrza National Park fire fight

A wildfire in Biebrza National Park, which broke out on Sunday, has engulfed 450 hectares of protected land.

A Bayraktar TB-2 unmanned aerial vehicle from Poland’s 12th UAV Base is conducting reconnaissance flights over Biebrza National Park, providing photo footage and live video to state firefighters to support ongoing wildfire containment efforts.Credit: Polish State Fire Service / Łukasz Rutkowski via PAP / X @DGeneralneRSZ

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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Source: IAR/PAP/X/@DGeneralneRSZ

Radio Poland