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Fire in Ząbki. Appeal for urgent inspection of attics
In response to the fire in a multi-family residence in Ząbki near Warsaw, the Polish Chamber of Civil Engineers (PIIB) emphasizes the urgent need for „immediate preventive and control actions on a national level”.
On Thursday at approximately 7:00 PM, the attic of a building constructed in 1998 on Powstańców Street in Ząbki was engulfed in flames. This building contained over 200 apartments, and the fire was brought under control later that night.
Call to Action
The Polish Chamber of Civil Engineers has urged for the immediate initiation of an inspection of attics by the managers of multi-family buildings—both usable and non-usable—to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
„Areas that may have been improperly modified or utilized for purposes other than their intended use, such as storing flammable materials, require heightened scrutiny. Constructing attics without adequate safety measures fosters disasters like the one that occurred in Ząbki,” the statement reads.
The Chamber also highlights the necessity of reinforcing the enforcement of existing laws, particularly those stemming from the Construction Law and the Fire Protection Act. PIIB pointed out that the responsibilities of designers, fire safety specialists, construction supervisors, as well as building owners and managers, are critical in this context.
„The regulations mandate the implementation of appropriate safety measures along with their regular maintenance and inspections, which should occur at least annually (or biannually in specific circumstances considering the size and type of the building) and every five years. These measures are vital for the safe operation of the building. Attics in multi-family residences should be routinely inspected by managers or administrators. In single-family homes, attics are frequently used as storage spaces for various items, which can serve as excellent fuel for fires in the event of an outbreak,” it added.
Moreover, it was noted that there is an issue with enforcing these regulations, as tenants often disregard the recommendations, leading to the once-organized attic becoming cluttered with unnecessary items again.
„Spontaneous inspections by the State Fire Service yield better outcomes, but they are infrequent. If attic inspections were to become systematic (considering many buildings were erected decades ago), their impact would necessitate adaptation to current fire safety standards. Hence, there is a need for investment, resulting in additional costs,” it was emphasized.
The Polish Chamber of Civil Engineers further indicated that under current legislation, there are already tools available that—if utilized and enforced—could avert similar tragedies in the future.
„It is not about tightening the regulations, but rather about their actual implementation and monitoring. The challenge, however, lies in inadequate supervision and the absence of an effective system for addressing irregularities. Additionally, there is a campaign aimed at raising awareness about the dangers and promoting everyday caution,” the statement concluded.
Recommendations
The Chamber advocates for the initiation of a review of the technical condition of attics in multi-family buildings—both utility and non-utility—to assess compliance with fire protection regulations. It also seeks to enhance oversight of the enforcement of relevant laws—specifically regarding regular technical inspections and fire safety checks mandated by the Construction Law.
„Attic areas, which are often neglected in terms of current usage and oversight, can significantly contribute to the spread of fire. They frequently fail to meet technical standards, are used for purposes other than their designated function, and are inadequately secured. The incident in Ząbki underscores the immediate need to implement preventive measures before similar occurrences take place,” PIIB explained.
