Residents concerned about a car near a kindergarten. There was a gas cylinder inside

Yesterday we received the following report from a person who wished to remain anonymous:

I would like to report anonymously a potential hazard in the area of the kindergarten and playground on Piotra i Pawła Street in Bolesławiec.

The reporter added that a certain car had been standing there for about two months: – There is a gas cylinder on the rear seat of this vehicle. It is not known whether it is full, empty, in working order or damaged. The car has remained stationary for a long time.

The reporter added: “With the current high temperatures, such a vehicle may pose a real danger to residents, especially children staying nearby.”

I am reporting this matter out of concern for safety. However, one of the residents is afraid to report the problem officially to the police because she fears possible unpleasant consequences, such as damage to the car or other retaliatory actions.

We notified the Bolesławiec Municipal Police about the matter. The officers responded immediately. Today we received the following reply:

In response to the report dated 25 May 2026, the Bolesławiec Municipal Police informs us that official measures were taken, as a result of which the indicated cylinder was secured by its owner and removed from the vehicle.

Could such a cylinder really have been dangerous?

Yes, although the degree of danger depends on several factors.

The mere presence of a gas cylinder in a car does not automatically mean danger. If it was sealed, technically sound and properly closed, the risk was low. The problem, however, was that it was not known what condition it was in or whether it contained gas.

On hot days, the temperature inside a parked car can exceed even 50–70°C. An increase in temperature causes the pressure in the cylinder to rise. Modern cylinders are equipped with safety devices, but in the event of valve damage, a leak or poor technical condition, gas may escape. At the right concentration and in the presence of an ignition source, such gas creates a risk of fire or explosion.

That is why the services generally treat similar reports seriously, especially when they concern places frequented by children. In this case, the most important thing is that after the inspection the problem was resolved and the potential risk eliminated.