The fire service recorded the most interventions in the Municipality of Bolesławiec (387 incidents). Firefighters intervened the fewest times in the Municipality of Warta Bolesławiecka (51 incidents). Total losses amounted to nearly PLN 5.9 million, while the value of property saved is estimated at approximately PLN 11 million. Compared with 2004, the number of incidents increased by 46 (there were 915 in 2004). In addition, the number of responses to local emergencies increased by as many as 79 (402 were recorded in 2004). Losses resulting from fires were PLN 3.1 million lower (in 2004, losses amounted to PLN 9 million).

Fires and road accidents

The largest fire of the previous year broke out in the Świętoszów Forest District. Two hundred hectares of heathland burned there. Forty-four fire service units took part in the firefighting operation. A major fire was also recorded in Godzieszów, where part of an abandoned sheepfold building burned. In 2005, there were also 35 medium-sized fires. One of the more serious incidents was a fire in a tenement building on Gdańska Street. In 2005, 15 people died in accidents and fires, while 147 were injured. Many people who suffered in accidents owe their lives to the assistance of firefighters.

Investments by the Bolesławiec Fire Service

Several investments were completed in 2005. The insulation of the walls of the fire service headquarters building was completed. Six garage doors were replaced, and a new heating system was installed in one of the garages. A medium fire engine was overhauled; it is essential for fighting fires in forested areas. The modernization of a Mercedes LA 911 was also begun. After modernization, the vehicle will be used for technical rescue operations. The Bolesławiec fire service also acquired a Ford Transit, which will be used as a road rescue vehicle. In addition, necessary equipment was purchased, including firefighters’ clothing and footwear, as well as safety belts and harnesses for working at heights. The fire service also acquired new and used computers.

Educational activities

Last year, the Bolesławiec fire service organized training sessions and exercises involving Volunteer Fire Brigades. These activities aim to improve the knowledge of volunteer firefighters. In total, the Bolesławiec command conducted two free courses:

  • a basic course (80 hours), completed by 23 volunteer firefighters
  • a commanders’ course (40 hours), completed by 34 volunteer firefighters from Bolesławiec and Złotoryja counties, in cooperation with the State Fire Service County Headquarters in Złotoryja

County exercises involving Volunteer Fire Brigade and State Fire Service firefighters were also held at the facilities of Młynpol, near the village of Krzywa.

Inspections of fire protection measures in buildings

In 2005, as part of preventive activities, 124 buildings were inspected, revealing a total of 276 irregularities. Follow-up actions were taken to enforce improvements to fire protection measures. In addition, 17 building inspections were carried out upon completion of construction or modernization.

Acknowledgements

At the same time, the firefighters from the Bolesławiec command thank everyone who helped carry out tasks aimed at improving fire protection in Bolesławiec County. They also thank everyone who supports the command’s day-to-day operations, helps improve service conditions, and contributes to promoting safety principles among the local community.