WARSAW, May 28 (Xinhua) -- A major forest fire broke out Thursday in Miedzyles, northeast of Warsaw, burning more than 30 hectares of woodland and prompting the evacuation of nearby residents, according to local media outlet RMF24.
Nearly 400 firefighters and 75 vehicles are working to contain the fire on Thursday evening, Chief Commandant of the State Fire Service Wojciech Kruczek said, adding that another 20 vehicles and additional firefighters are on their way to the scene.
Additional helicopters from the police and the State Forests are being prepared for possible firefighting operations on Friday, Kruczek added.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on social media platform X that the emergency services are fighting the fire, the safety of residents and bringing the fire under control remain the top priorities.
Local authorities said the cause of the fire is under investigation, with arson not ruled out. ■