The dangerous incident occurred on October 17, 2026. At approximately 12:25 p.m., the duty officer at the Municipal Police Headquarters in Legnica received a report of a fire at a store on Orzeszkowej Street. Emergency services and police patrols were dispatched to the scene.
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The store and a neighboring facility had to be evacuated
The situation was particularly dangerous because customers and employees were inside the building. Firefighters began extinguishing the fire, while police secured the area and assisted with the evacuation. Both the store and the adjacent medical facility had to be evacuated.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the fire. No medical assistance was needed either.
At the same time, police began determining the cause of the incident and identifying the person who might have been connected with the arson.
The fire caused the gas installation to lose its seal
During an inspection of the scene conducted with the participation of an expert, it was established that the fire had been deliberately started in the store’s external storage area, directly near the gas installation valve.
The high temperature damaged components of the installation, causing it to lose its seal and allowing gas to escape. This situation posed a serious threat. If the fire had continued to spread, much more serious consequences could have occurred, including an explosion and a threat to the lives and health of many people.
This time, thanks to the response of the services and the evacuation, no one was harmed.
Police detained a 31-year-old suspect
Officers analyzed the circumstances of the fire, verified the information they had obtained and carried out operational activities. The exchange of information between police officers from different divisions made it possible to identify a man who might have been connected with the incident.
Suspicion fell on a 31-year-old man who has no permanent place of residence. Police identified places where he might be staying and then carried out an operation that led to his detention.
According to the Municipal Police Headquarters in Legnica, the man was under the influence of alcohol and intoxicants when he was detained. A breathalyzer test showed 1.2 parts per thousand of alcohol in his system.
The suspect will spend three months in pre-trial detention
The evidence collected made it possible to bring charges against the 31-year-old. At the prosecutor’s request, the court ordered the suspect’s pre-trial detention for three months.
The man faces up to 10 years in prison for the alleged offense. The final legal assessment of the incident and any sentence will depend on the findings of the proceedings and the court’s ruling.
Police remind the public that deliberately starting a fire, particularly near gas installations and buildings occupied by people, can lead to tragic consequences. If you notice a fire or arson, move to a safe place and notify emergency services by calling 112.