Fire traps residents as thick smoke blocks escape routes in Ząbki apartment building; 20 people including children rescued.
Fire at Różana Street Traps Residents
On Monday, February 16th at approximately 14:15, a major fire broke out in a multi-story apartment building at Różana Street in Ząbki (Wołomin county). The fire engulfed a ground floor apartment, and thick smoke blocked evacuation routes for residents on higher floors.
Some residents became trapped on upper floors as smoke made it impossible to leave the building safely. Firefighters used mechanical ladders to evacuate 20 people from higher floors, with children among the injured receiving medical attention.
Emergency Response Underway
Ten fire brigades are at the scene, along with an operational group from the Warsaw Provincial Headquarters of the State Fire Service and a higher-ranking commander overseeing operations. Dozens of paramedic teams are working near the building, and a helicopter from the Air Rescue Service “Ratownik 12” has been deployed.
The firefighting and rescue operation is ongoing. Firefighters are ventilating the building while paramedics perform triage on evacuated persons. The cause and circumstances of the fire remain unknown.
Previous Fire in Ząbki
In July of last year, a major fire occurred at a residential complex on Powstańców Street in Ząbki. The roof and the fourth and fifth floors were completely destroyed, with over 300 firefighters participating in the operation.
At the end of January, the prosecutor’s office published expert findings determining the most probable cause was careless use of fire, ruling out arson.