1. Forestfireprotection in Poland and Europe

2. Forests of Poland
Polish forests cover about 30% of Poland‘s territory, and are mostly owned by the state. It is estimated that by 2050, the total area of forested land should increase to 33%. More than a half of them are state-owned.

3. Forest area and forest cover.
In our climatic and geographical zone forests are the least distorted natural formation. They are a necessary element of ecological balance and, at the same time, a form of land use which ensures biological production with a market value. Forests are the common good which enhances the quality of human life. Poland stand out in Central Europe with the
most diverse and the richest forest biocenose.

4. Causes of fires Imprudence of adults and minors; Electrical Fires;
Flammable and Combustible Materials;
Human Error;
General Negligence;
Arson;

5. Species composition
The geographical distribution of habitats is largely reflected in the spatial structure of dominant tree species. Apart from the mountain regions where spruce, fir and beech have a larger share in stand composition, in the rest of the country pine is the dominant species in the majority of stands.

6. Electrical Fires
Over 25% of our fires are linked to a malfunction of either a piece of electrical equipment, wiring, or both. Electricity is a common source of ignition for major fires. One way to avoid problems with electrical fires is to establish an electrical safety program.

7. Flammable and Combustible Materials
There are thousands of chemicals in use in the modern American workplace. One of the most prevalent dangers of these chemicals is their flammability or combustibility. Improper handling of flammable materials brings a great risk of fire. When a flammable liquid is spilled, vapors begin to form immediately. It is the vapors that will ignite, and which pose the greater danger.

8. Human Error
The most common reason for a sprinkler system failure is human error. Often times the water supply was turned off at the time of the fire. The success of fire prevention strategies depends primarily on pre-planning, preparation, equipment quality, and the readiness of personnel. Employees and loss prevention practitioners must be knowledgeable about the proper use of extinguishers. If the wrong extinguisher is used, a fire may become more serious.

9. General Negligence
Negligence is another common cause of fire in the workplace. It’s slightly different from fires caused by human error. Negligence occurs when an employee does not follow established procedures and knowingly undertakes an activity that is a potential fire hazard.

10. Fire caused by negligence can be the result of:
Hot surfaces too close to heating equipment;
Open flame that’s not properly located or protected;
Not following smoking restrictions or careless disposal of butts, ashes, and matches.

11. Arson
The premise behind arson prevention, like other prevention programs, is to address the opportunity to commit the crime. Arsonists, like other criminals, typically prefer to start fires in locations that are secluded or hidden. Prevention programs often suggest improving the surveillance in these areas by lighting the area, removing visual obstructions to natural observation, and moving the targets such as dumpsters.

12. When a fire accurs, what we have to do?
Call the fire department at 998 or 112;
Try to get downstairs below a burning apartment or go outside - remember - the smoke is rising, do not drive down the elevator, do not open the door through which smoke is produced, as the supply of more oxygen can cause rapid fire and flames can burn us;
If you can not leave the apartment, do not open the door leading into the corridor, seal it, call the scream, help the firefighters;
Do not expose water to electric appliances; it may cause electric shock; try to pull out the power cord (eg a wooden stick from the brush) from the socket, you can unscrew the fuses to disconnect the power supply to the apartment;
Alert about the threat to the neighbors;
Do not inhale the smoke - cover your mouth with a wet cloth; if possible - wet your garment or wrap your body with a thick, coarse fabric made from natural materials (linen, wool, cotton, etc.).

13. When you feel the gas, what we have to do?
Notify as soon as possible gas service and administration;
Notify neighbors;
Do not turn on the lights or any electrical appliances;
Do not light matches or lighters;
Close the gas valve in the apartment;
Open wide window;
Go outside the building.

14. Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forests_of_Poland

15. Autorzy: Sylwia Stosio Zuzanna Strzelec Wanessa Grzeszczyk Zespół Szkół Miejskich nr 2 ul. Siennicka Mińsk Mazowiecki Gimnazjum kl. IIIj