WARSAW, Poland — A well-known metal dragon sculpture that breathes actual fire, located in Krakow, is set to temporarily cease its fiery exhibitions for a month. This pause is intended to investigate the reasons behind its increased fuel consumption, as announced by local officials on Wednesday.

Starting this week, specialists will be examining the gas supply for the magnificent 6-meter (19-foot) dragon sculpture. Their goal is to discover solutions that could help lower the energy costs associated with its operation, according to Krzysztof Wojdowski, spokesperson for Krakow’s road infrastructure office.

Situated at the base of the historic Wawel Castle, this dragon is a significant draw for tourists. Each year, millions of visitors flock to witness the spectacle of flames erupting from the dragon’s mouth every three minutes.

This artistic piece, crafted by Polish sculptor Bronislaw Chromy in the late 1960s, is inspired by a longstanding legend in Krakow’s folklore. The tale tells of a menacing dragon that terrorized the city, feasting on livestock and occasionally kidnapping young maidens. The story goes that a clever young shoemaker devised a plan to rid the city of the beast by luring it with a sheep skin packed with sulfur. The dragon, feeling an intense burning sensation, subsequently drank excessively from the nearby Vistula River, ultimately leading to its demise.

It is expected that the sculpture will be reignited and resume its fire-breathing displays by March.