On 15 November a blaze tore through the Buba Animal Aid Center in Obłęż, destroying its main building and triggering an emergency fundraising drive.
Flame Hits Shelter’s Attic
A fire erupted on the afternoon of 15 November at the Buba Centrum Pomocy Zwierzętom in Obłęż. The flames quickly engulfed the attic of the main building. By 15:05 emergency services were notified and arrived to confirm the blaze. The structure was partly residential and partly functioning as the shelter.
Firefighting Response
Ten units of the regional fire brigade responded, managing to control the fire after about two hours. The building suffered serious damage from the heat and later from water used in the suppression effort. No injuries or hospitalizations were reported.
Animals Safe, Shelter Destroyed
All animals were evacuated promptly and are now cared for elsewhere. The shelter, however, is largely destroyed. Donor assistance is urgently needed for repair or reconstruction. As Maciej Chaberski, deputy mayor of Kępa, explained, “Once we outline a plan of action and verify the most pressing needs, we will provide guidance on how to support Buba’s recovery. We will not leave the animals or their beloved caretakers without help.”
Emergency Fundraising Initiated
The Buba Animal Aid Center, founded in 2020 by Radosław Waszkiewicz through the Buba Pomoc dla Zwierząt association, is now fighting to survive. A preliminary estimate of losses is underway, along with a list of priority needs to restore normal operations. A fundraising initiative has been launched on ratujemyzwierzaki.pl. The description notes that the damage is “enormous, gigantic, and we are devastated,” while highlighting that no animal was lost. The fundraiser will be updated continuously; it is unclear whether proceeds will cover demolition, refurbishment, or a complete rebuild, but any contribution is valued.