# Firefighter deaths and service in Poland

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/firefighter-deaths-and-service-in-poland
> Updated: 2026-10-19T06:01:23.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 3.

The passing of long-serving community members and professional emergency responders has been noted in Poland. 

In Wola, Henryk Wawro, a long-time member of the Volunteer Fire Department (OSP) who served as president from 1984 to 1992, has passed away. 

In Nisko, Podkarpackie, two State Fire Service members, Junior Captain Wojciech Garbacz and Sergeant Bartłomiej Pieróg, died during a warehouse fire involving agricultural machinery parts. The incident occurred on a Friday morning after an emergency call was received at 8:24 AM. During the operation, the firefighters were cut off from evacuation routes by advancing flames after transmitting a ‘Rescue’ signal. Although rescue efforts were launched and both were eventually extracted from the building, they could not be revived. More than 150 firefighters participated in the operation to control the blaze and protect nearby residential buildings.

The District Prosecutor's Office in Nisko has launched an investigation under Article 163 of the Penal Code to determine the cause, with preliminary assessments suggesting a possible flashover. 

Following the deaths, firefighting units across Poland held tributes using light and sound signals from fire engines. To support the families of the deceased, including Sergeant Pieróg, who leaves behind an expectant wife, the Siepomaga Foundation launched an official online fundraiser. As of October 19, the collection had raised over 410,000 PLN from more than 6,000 donors.

## Claims

- Approximately 100 firefighters and 24 units were deployed to the scene. (disputed by 2 sources)
- Over 150 firefighters participated in the firefighting operation. (disputed by 2 sources)
- Two firefighters died during the firefighting operation. (corroborated by 17 sources)
- The warehouse contained flammable materials and agricultural machinery parts. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The emergency call regarding the fire was received at 8:24 AM on Friday. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- One firefighter was quickly evacuated from the building, while the second was removed a few moments later. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The firefighters sent a 'Rescue' signal after being cut off from evacuation routes by the rapidly spreading fire. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The fire has been extinguished, but monitoring and demolition of the roof structure are ongoing. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The fire started around 8:00 AM on Friday, October 16, 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Minister of Interior and Administration Marcin Kierwiński issued condolences for the deceased firefighters. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Nisko firefighters killed in warehouse fire

Two firefighters died in a warehouse fire in Nisko, Poland. A nationwide tribute was held, and a fundraiser has been launched to support their families.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/two-firefighters-killed-during-warehouse-fire-in-nisko

### 2026-10-16: Nisko firefighters die in warehouse fire

Two firefighters, Wojciech Garbacz and Bartłomiej Pieróg, died in Nisko, Poland, after being trapped by a rapidly spreading fire at an agricultural machinery warehouse on Friday morning.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nisko-warehouse-fire-kills-two-professional-firefighters

### 2026-10-07: Henryk Wawro, long-serving Wola firefighter, passes away

The Volunteer Fire Department in Wola is mourning the death of Henryk Wawro, a long-serving member and former president of the unit.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/henryk-wawro-long-serving-wola-firefighter-passes-away

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Cite as: Firefighter deaths and service in Poland. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/firefighter-deaths-and-service-in-poland
