Voluntary Fire Brigade in Poland

Volunteer Fire Departments (OSP) in Poland operate under the provisions of the Act on Volunteer Fire Departments, the Law on Associations, and the Fire Protection Act. Their patron saint is St. Florian, and Firefighters' Day is celebrated on May 4th. OSPs have Operational and Technical Units (JOT), which provide support in rescue operations. They can be integrated into the National Rescue and Firefighting System, cooperating with the State Fire Service. The primary goal of OSPs is rescue operations, and their history dates back to the Middle Ages, with the first organized units established in the 19th century. The oldest OSP in Poland was founded in Śrem in 1801, and in the Kingdom of Poland, one of the first was established in Kalisz in 1864. After 1921, firefighting associations were integrated into the Main Association of Fire Brigades, aimed at coordinating activities. OSPs are not only involved in rescue operations but also in cultural, sports, and educational activities, running Youth Fire Brigades, orchestras, and organizing various local events. OSPs are the most numerous non-governmental organization in the country, despite challenges related to professionalization and declining interest in volunteering. At the beginning of 2018, there were 16,390 active OSP units in Poland, and their activities covered many aspects, from rescue operations to cultural activities, making them a vital part of local communities. In at least 800 orchestras, nearly 20,000 musicians perform, and OSPs collaborate with other associations in various fields, raising awareness about safety and promoting local values. Despite many challenges, OSPs remain an important guardian of tradition and culture in Poland.