Firefighters say they have responded to around 8,000 fires since October, with a surge in incidents reported in the first days of the new year.
According to Senior Brigadier Karol Kierzkowski, spokesman for the chief commander of the State Fire Service, there were 357 residential fires between January 1 and 3, resulting in seven deaths.
Kierzkowski said that most fires were caused by technical failures or human error, such as unattended stoves or cooking plates, improper use of heating devices, or careless smoking.
Faulty chimneys and smoke ducts that have not been inspected also contribute to fire hazards.
Mirosław Antos of the Warsaw Chamber of Chimney Sweeps reminded homeowners that Polish building law requires chimney inspections at least once a year.
During the heating season, solid-fuel chimneys should be checked every three months, while gas appliance chimneys must be inspected twice a year.
Kierzkowski emphasized that property owners and managers are responsible for scheduling necessary safety inspections. These include chimney and electrical checks every five years and annual gas system inspections.
He warned against cluttering stairwells, basements and attics with flammable materials, citing a fatal fire in the western city of Poznań as an example of the dangers posed by blocked emergency exits.
Firefighters and chimney sweeps continue to advocate for installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
A law that took effect on December 23 requires newly built residential and commercial properties to have these devices.
The mandate will be extended to commercial and industrial buildings in 2026 and to all existing residential properties in 2030.
While the requirement is not yet universal, authorities urge homeowners to install detectors immediately, noting that these devices are inexpensive, easy to install and can save lives.
Carbon monoxide, an odorless, tasteless and colorless deadly gas, has already led to 1,000 emergency calls since October, with 420 cases of poisoning and 22 deaths.
Kierzkowski stressed that early detection is crucial, as people often have enough time to contain a fire if they are alerted early. However, fires that spread before emergency responders arrive are much harder to control and often lead to severe injuries.
Officials also warned against using stairwells as storage spaces, as this can obstruct escape routes and hinder emergency personnel.
"Stairwells are critical pathways not only for fire evacuation but also for paramedics and police officers," said Kierzkowski.
In addition to common fire risks such as faulty wiring, authorities have noted an increase in fires caused by overheating lithium-ion batteries in power banks, mobile phones, laptops and electric scooters.
Firefighters recommend not leaving such devices plugged in overnight and ensuring they are placed on non-flammable surfaces while charging.
Kierzkowski encouraged residents to install at least one smoke and carbon monoxide detector per household, with larger homes benefiting from a device on each floor.
While professional installation is not required, he advised placing detectors on ceilings or at head height in unobstructed areas for maximum effectiveness.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, polskieradio.pl