Volunteer Fire Department in Warka

A vast fire in 1904, which almost completely destroyed the Farna, Senatorska, Franciszkańska, and Mostowa Streets, stimulated efforts to create a volunteer fire department in Warka. In 1906, after receiving proper approvals, an organizational committee was formed.

The first unit began to operate in 1908 under the name Warka Volunteer Fire Department (Warecka Ochotnicza Straż Ogniowa). Antoni Glinka became its first commissioner. The unit was comprised of 28 uniformed members and several civilians, who had at their disposal a pump drawing water from a wooden container, which had to be refilled manually, ladders, pike poles, and fire beaters.

Another fire in 1910 destroyed the entire Piekarska Street (now Lotników Street), and created an incentive to modernize the department. World War I put an abrupt stop to its development. After the War, the committee was renamed the Volunteer Fire Department Management Board (Zarząd Ochotniczej Straży Pożarnej). In 1920, the department received its own one-story firehouse.

In the inter-war period, the department was funded through voluntary donations from Warka’s wealthiest residents as well as income from charity balls, performances, lotteries, and public collections.

During World War II, Warka fire department underwent structural changes imposed by the occupiers, who wanted to adapt it to serve their own needs. The existing management board was dissolved, and the new management included only people appointed by the German germanderie.

The post-War fire department was formed by people who focused on a return to basics and fast development. Jakub Sieradzan became the department’s first chairman, Eugeniusz Regulski was appointed commissioner, and Wacław Ledóchowski–chief. The new management was quick to act. In 1946, the department received a Leopolia motor pump, requested by the District Inspector, and a year later–a Dodge truck. The management composition underwent smooth changes.

The firehouse was rebuilt to house many Warka organizations. It opened for rehearsals and performances, and part of it was later turned into a motion picture theater called “Roma”.

In 1982, the Regional Headquarters presented the department with a new truck and a diesel powered water tender with the capacity to pump 25 hundred liters. In 1986, four professional drivers were employed.

Over the next years, the equipment and vehicles were modernized and the department was equipped with necessary protective clothing. In the years 2006–2008, the firehouse building underwent renovation and got a new clock tower that plays the Warka’s anthem.

Currently, the Warka Town and Municipality has twelve volunteer fire department units. The Warka fire department operates under the National Fire and Rescue System (Krajowy System Ratowniczo-Gaśniczy).

The fire department has continued to perform its statutory duties and be active in Warka’s cultural life; to this day, it is crucial during state and church events.