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Grim aftermath of Poland's Solska primeval forest fire

15.05.2026 10:30
A wildfire that burned for eight days has devastated Poland's Solska Forest, killing a pilot and destroying so much timber that nearly a third of the affected area will require clear-cutting, forestry officials say.
Forest district deputy head Adam Kraczek said the rebuilding plan will incorporate fire-prevention measures, with new plantings primarily pine and birch selected to match local soil conditions. Foresters plan to first clear the site of dead trees before replanting begins.
Forest district deputy head Adam Kraczek said the rebuilding plan will incorporate fire-prevention measures, with new plantings — primarily pine and birch — selected to match local soil conditions. Foresters plan to first clear the site of dead trees before replanting begins.PAP/Wojtek Jargiło

The fire, which broke out on May 5, swept through 1,150 hectares of the Solska Forest, more than 800 of which are state-owned land, according to the Józefów Forest District. Roughly 400 hectares are considered fit only for felling.

A 65-year-old pilot died on the first day of firefighting operations when his aircraft crashed during the aerial assault on the blaze. The regional prosecutor's office in Biłgoraj has opened an investigation into the fire on suspicion of negligent endangerment.

Forest district deputy head Adam Kraczek said the rebuilding plan will incorporate fire-prevention measures, with new plantings — primarily pine and birch — selected to match local soil conditions. Foresters plan to first clear the site of dead trees before replanting begins.

(jh)

Source: Polish Radio