Pilot killed as firefighting plane crashes during major Polish wildfire

A major wildfire in southeastern Poland has intensified after a firefighting aircraft crashed near the village of Kozaki in the Lublin region, killing its pilot. The plane went down during aerial operations supporting hundreds of firefighters battling the blaze, with authorities citing difficult conditions, including strong winds, heavy smoke, and extreme drought.

The fire, which broke out in the Puszcza Solska forest, has spread rapidly—from an initial 100 hectares to around 250 hectares—fueled by dry conditions and gusty winds. At its peak, flames reached treetops and made some local roads impassable, complicating emergency response efforts.

Firefighting operations have since escalated, with helicopters, additional aircraft, and reinforcements from across the country deployed to contain the blaze. Officials say aerial support will be critical to stopping further spread, with crews continuing round-the-clock efforts. While some accessible areas have been brought under control, operations are expected to continue as authorities work to fully contain the fire.

Source: TVP World