Poland strengthens volunteer fire brigade standards and conducts major readiness drill
New Polish regulations require volunteer fire‑fire (OSP) units to be equipped with a medium or heavy rescue‑fire vehicle, at least eight personnel certified in qualified first aid, a defibrillator, a medical rescue kit R1, four complete respiratory sets, hydraulic road‑rescue tools and a minimum of five certified radio devices. Units must meet these standards to remain listed in the National Rescue‑Fire System (KSRG). In Ostrowiec County, twelve OSP units received five‑year extensions of their KSRG membership, with local officials signing the agreements as previous contracts expire in December 2026.
On 25 July 2026, the Gmina Garbów will host extensive emergency‑response exercises involving OSP teams, simulating fires, road accidents and infrastructure failures. The drills aim to test equipment, communication and coordination with other services, while informing residents of possible temporary traffic disruptions. Organisers stress that the training enhances community safety and prepares volunteers for real‑world crises.