The professionalism and dedication of State Fire Service officers is one of our highlights that makes us stand out in the world – this successful mission is the best proof of this. I would like to thank everyone involved in the mission in Greece

the Minister pointed out.

The firefighters were also thanked by Brigadier-General Arkadiusz Przybyła.

First of all, I want to thank you all for what you did in Greece, for all the rescue and firefighting activities in very difficult circumstances and very high temperatures, unlike anything you could have experienced in Poland. In spite of the dangers, you carried out all your tasks in an exemplary manner

said the Deputy Chief of the State Fire Service.

The official welcome ceremony was also attended by Voivode of Silesia Jarosław Wieczorek, who highlighted the professionalism and exceptional attitude of the firefighters.

I am very pleased that you all returned home safely after displaying exceptional professionalism and expertise in saving human health, life, and property. As soon as the need arises in Poland, as well as abroad, we will always make the decision to immediately offer our help and support

he pointed out.

On Tuesday, 18 July 2023, after consulting Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Minister Mariusz Kamiński made the decision to dispatch a group of Polish firefighters to Greece. This step was taken in response to a request from the Greek government for support in fighting the wildfires.

Firefighters from Lesser Poland, Greater Poland, Warsaw and Wrocław, as well as commanders of the State Fire Service Headquarters, went to Greece. Brigadier Grzegorz Borowiec was appointed the mission’s commander, while Junior Brigadier Jakub Siczek became second-in-command. Normally, they both serve at the State Fire Brigade Headquarters.

GFFFV module and Greece’s support

GFFFV (Ground Forest Fire Fighting using Vehicles) is a module used for extinguishing forest fires from the ground, using vehicles. As of now, within the framework of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, Poland has 6 such modules for extinguishing forest fires. They are stationed in Krakow, Białystok, Poznań, Olsztyn, Szczecin and Wrocław. Each of the modules is fully self-sufficient. In addition to the typical firefighting equipment used in extinguishing forest fires, firefighters also have logistical facilities at their disposal.

In Greece, firefighters established a camp, where they had water and food supplies as well as funds and power sources – portable generators.

Aid for Greece in 2021

Two years have passed since the last time Polish State Fire Brigade offered a helping hand to the Greeks. Polish GFFFV modules were involved in fighting fires from 7 August to 1 September 2021.

At the time, 286 firefighters in total, in two rounds of 143 firefighters each, along with 46 vehicles – including firefighting vehicles as well as special, command and communications vehicles, containers, quads, vans, buses, and trailers – were involved in operations in Greece.

Past international aid rendered by firefighters

The professionalism of our firefighters and their expertise are held in high regard internationally. In the cases of natural disasters, such as wildfires and earthquakes, countries can turn to their foreign partners and request specific assistance. These activities are coordinated within the ERCC (Emergency Response Coordination Centre) system, of which Poland has been an active member since joining the European Union.

In recent years, Polish firefighters have participated in a number of missions abroad, including Turkey (2023), France (2022), Czechia (2022), Romania (2021) and Lebanon (2020). Furthermore, Polish firefighters were also involved in transporting humanitarian aid to the Western Balkans in 2020 in connection with the fight against the pandemic, as well as providing aid in Germany following the flood of 2021 in addition to numerous missions to Ukraine in connection with the ongoing war.
 

fot. mł. kpt. Łukasz Nowak/PSP