Poland forest fire: aircraft crash kills pilot during firefighting mission

A major forest fire in eastern Poland has led to the death of an experienced pilot after a firefighting aircraft crashed during an operation to contain the blaze.

The incident occurred near the village of Kozaki in Biłgoraj County, in the Lublin Voivodeship, where several hundred firefighters have been battling a rapidly spreading wildfire since Tuesday, May 5, Caliber.Az reports via Polish media.

The fire has affected up to 250 hectares of woodland.

During aerial firefighting efforts, an M18 Dromader aircraft crashed while operating over the fire zone. The pilot, described by Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński as highly experienced and well-qualified, died at the scene. Authorities have expressed condolences to the pilot’s family.

Despite the tragedy, firefighting operations have continued on the ground, with officials reporting that the fire’s spread has now been brought under control. However, the area remains under close surveillance due to the risk of new flare-ups.

The blaze, classified as a crown fire, has been particularly difficult to manage, with flames spreading through treetops and limiting ground access. Large-scale operations involve State Fire Service units, aerial support from forestry services and police, as well as coordination from a national crisis management штаб in Warsaw.

Additional assistance has been deployed, including reconnaissance and planned operational support from Territorial Defence Forces, while drone flights are scheduled to assess any remaining hotspots.

Local authorities have warned residents in the area of heavy smoke and ongoing disruption. A regional road remains closed, and the Government Centre for Security issued alerts advising people to keep windows closed and follow emergency instructions.

Officials say the situation is stabilising, though monitoring and firefighting operations will continue throughout the day.

By Aghakazim Guliyev