Sanok museum fire destroys 17th-century wooden church

A major fire destroyed the historic St. Nicholas Church from 1667 at the Museum of Folk Architecture in Sanok, Poland. The blaze broke out during the night of August 15–16, 2026, shortly after 1:00 AM.

Approximately 140 firefighters and 27 units responded to the emergency. While firefighters managed to save some neighboring wooden structures and prevent the fire from spreading to a warehouse and service building, the 17th-century church was completely destroyed. Two other nearby buildings were also damaged, and one firefighter sustained a hand burn.

The loss includes significant cultural artifacts, such as historic organs, altars, liturgical equipment, paintings, and sculptures. According to museum director Marcin Krowiak, only a wooden cross located a few meters from the entrance survived the fire.