The incorporation of OSP Ocice into the National Rescue and Firefighting System took place on December 14. In addition to the unit from Ocice, 60 other volunteer fire service units were also added to the system. The network of units in the National Rescue and Firefighting System is intended to enable rescue forces to reach people at risk within 15 minutes—depending on the region of the country, between 75% and 85% of the population.
The National Rescue and Firefighting System has operated in Poland since 1995. It was organized by the State Fire Service. The purpose of the system is to protect life, health, property, and the environment by fighting fires and other natural disasters. The National Rescue and Firefighting System also includes technical and chemical rescue, as well as ecological and medical rescue since 1997.
The fundamental premise behind building the rescue and firefighting system was to create a unified and coherent structure bringing together various interconnected rescue entities, so that every rescue operation could be carried out effectively.