Forest Fire Protection in Poland and Europe

Forest Fire Danger About 83% of all forest resources of Poland are potentially threatened by fire (the respective average figure for the whole of Europe is 65%). Thus, with an area of 7.4 million ha at risk the danger is extremely high. The actual scale of the problem is a result of the prevailing abiotic, biotic and anthropogenic pressure over the area of the whole country. The cumulative effects of several unfavourable factors makes the forest less vital, thus increasing its vulnerability to fire initiation and facilitating its spread.

Forest fire danger classification Polish forests are being classified by Fire Danger Classes. The categorization system determines potential fire hazard of a given area and allows for diversification of long-term preventive measures applied as well as for organizational-technical preparation for fire suppression. This classification is made for a single Forest District (FD), a National Park (NP), or for larger areas such as forest complexes or Regional Directorates of State Forests.

Variable Forest Fire Danger During the last few years an increase of fire danger and elevated number of fires and area burned have been observed in Poland as a consequence of more frequent occurrence of extreme fire weather conditions during the fire season. These weather conditions that were uncommon in earlier years are accompanied by rapid changes of atmospheric fronts.

Ecological importance of forest fires Forest fires are considered a paranatural phenomenon in the managed forest and are one of the most important factors damaging the forest environment. Forest fire affects both the whole ecosystem and its particular elements: forest stand, herbaceous vegetation, fauna and soil, depending on fire intensity and duration of fire

Fire Causes The absolute majority of forest fires had their cause in either direct or indirect activity of humans. Among them on the first place should be listed those fires set as a result of carelessness of adults (40.17%). Highest concern, however, is the growing number of intentionally-set (arson) fires (44.23%). An increase of fires spreading from non-forest grounds has also been observed, the main causes being burning of stubble, meadows, near-road ditches or fallow grounds

Preventive Measures legislative activity: creating new legal regulations connected with forest fire protection public information and propaganda efforts rendering forest accessible so that also the forest fire protection demands be met construction and maintenance of fire breaks and fire belts

Forest sites The forest in Poland is occupying predominantly the area of the relatively poorest soils and are characterized by a large portion of coniferous forest sites (60%) where often even-aged Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) monocultures occur. Such a situation results in large areas and volumes of highly flammable materials and favours the establishment of vegetation-free and "dead" upper soil layers.

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