Storms force evacuation of three scout camps in northeastern Poland, 542 firefighter interventions

Evacuations of scout camps

Severe thunderstorms and gale-force winds swept across Poland's Warmian-Masurian region overnight on 7–8 July, prompting the evacuation of three scout camps. At the Harcerska Baza Obozowa in Frombork, operated by the Bartoszyce chapter of the Polish Scouting Association (ZHP), the camp leader moved 59 young participants and 5 adult supervisors from tents to a brick canteen building shortly after 3 a.m. as conditions worsened. When the Braniewo county fire chief arrived, he found tents damaged and a tree fallen on an auxiliary building. A full evacuation to Szkoła Podstawowa we Fromborku followed, with 60 children and 5 supervisors relocated safely.

59 young people and 5 adult supervisors were staying at the Scout Camp Base that day. Due to very difficult weather conditions, strong wind and heavy rainfall, which led to damage and soaking of tents, all these people changed location.

Later in the morning, a camp in Ruciane-Nida with 19 children and 5 supervisors was moved to a church common room. In Piaski near Ełk, a camp of 28 scouts and 6 supervisors was also evacuated. Across the voivodeship, 40 scout camps are currently operating, hosting 2,481 participants and 407 supervisors. Firefighters are in contact with each camp and prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Firefighter response

By 3 p.m. on Wednesday, the provincial fire service had logged 542 weather-related callouts, according to spokesman mł. bryg. Łukasz Wróblewski. The majority involved clearing fallen trees and branches from roads and securing damaged buildings. No injuries have been reported. On the Great Masurian Lakes, the Masurian Volunteer Water Rescue (MOPR) assisted two boat crews in returning to port and advised all vessels to remain in harbour, with wind speeds reaching force 6 on the Beaufort scale. The fire service thanked all personnel from the State Fire Service and volunteer fire brigades for their commitment.

Warnings and alerts

The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) issued weather warnings for the counties of Braniewo, Elbląg, and the city of Elbląg. The Government Security Centre (RCB) sent text alerts to residents of those areas, warning of very strong winds and advising them to avoid open spaces and secure loose objects.

Attention! Today (08.07) very strong wind is forecast. Avoid open spaces. Be careful and secure items that could be blown away by the wind.

Ongoing monitoring

Firefighters continue to monitor hydrological conditions on the Vistula Lagoon, where water levels remain below warning thresholds and no backwater threat is present. The provincial police and fire service urged residents to follow safety guidelines: avoid sheltering under trees, secure outdoor items, and not park vehicles under trees. The situation remains dynamic, with further incident reports still arriving at command centres.