A fire broke out on Thursday, December 25, at the Church of the Most Holy Heart of Jesus on Kunickiego Street in Lublin, killing no one but causing massive damage.
Fire Breaks Out at Lublin Church on 25 December
On Thursday, 25 December, a blaze erupted at the Church of the Most Holy Heart of Jesus on Kunickiego Street, Lublin. The fire engulfed the wooden roof, sending plumes of smoke that prompted nearby residents to alert the fire department, who suspected the source might be solar panels.
Response: 80 Firefighters, Police Assistance, Extreme Cold
Eighty firefighters from 27 shifts of the state and volunteer fire services, joined by police officers, responded to the scene at temperatures around minus ten degrees Celsius.
Parish Announces Extinguishment and Future Masses
The parish released a statement noting that the fire was already contained by 21:00. It warned that the losses are enormous and that demolition of the church may become necessary, while mass will be held in the pastoral hall.
Priest Leads Evacuation of Dozens
The parish priest led roughly fifty to sixty parishioners out of the church before 7:00 a.m., after recognizing early signs of spread—predominantly smoke—and immediately calling the fire brigade.
Voivode Commends Firefighters; Investigation to Follow
Lublin voivode Krzysztof Komorski thanked the firefighters for their efforts in cold conditions, noted that no one was injured, and said a detailed structural examination of the building would follow to determine the causes. Items removed from the sanctuary include figures, paintings, and liturgical garments, and firefighters tried to limit damage, although spray reached the interior during the operation.