Polish Fire Service Warns of Heat‑Driven Forest Fire Risk and Announces Large Recruitment Drive

The State Fire Service in Częstochowa County warned that hot summer weather and low rainfall have raised the danger of forest fires in the region. Officials emphasized that a single discarded bottle or cigarette butt can spark a blaze in dry litter, and urged the public to avoid lighting fires or grilling in forests outside designated, secured sites. They advised visitors to check the State Forests' fire‑danger maps and heed any entry bans before heading into the woods.

At the national level, the Main Command of the State Fire Service reported that, as of the end of 2026, it employed 32,448 personnel, including 30,542 firefighters and 1,906 civilian staff. Around 1,700 firefighter positions remain vacant. Salaries range from roughly 6,500 zł gross for trainees up to 31,700 zł for the chief of the service, with various allowances based on rank and duties. Recent legislation increased the authorized staff numbers, adding dozens of new posts from April 2026 and planning further expansions in coming years.