Search underway for missing volunteer firefighter in northern Poland

Polish emergency services are actively searching for a volunteer firefighter who went missing several hours ago in Kawle, northern Poland, during efforts to extinguish a blaze that consumed a poultry processing plant on Wednesday.

Photo: PAP/Piotr Matusewicz
Photo: PAP/Piotr Matusewicz

The firefighter was reported missing after making an attempt to clear the structure, which allowed access to the burning building, and subsequently fell into its hall, Capt. Mateusz Szmaglik, the spokesperson for the Koscierzyna Fire Department, told PAP on Thursday.

"Our actions are focused on the search (for the missing firefighter - PAP)," Szmaglik remarked. "The construction of the hall and the firefighters' ability to access it are posing a huge challenge for us."

The firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control at dawn and are utilising heavy machinery to facilitate efforts to gain entry to the facility's hall.

In addition to the firefighters, chemical emergency services were dispatched to the location to monitor the air quality. Furthermore, five emergency psychologists are present at the scene to offer support to those in need.

On Wednesday, a fire ignited in the plant's battery room, forcing all employees to evacuate the building following the activation of the alarm.(PAP)

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