Fire engulfs seventh-floor apartment in Racibórz tower block, forcing evacuation of all 33 residences and hospitalising one
A fire that started on a balcony of a seventh-floor flat in a ten-storey building on Katowicka Street in Racibórz, Silesia, broke out around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, prompting the evacuation of all 33 apartments. Four people were treated for smoke inhalation, and one was taken to hospital.
Fire on the seventh floor
On Sunday morning around 10:30, a fire broke out on a balcony of an apartment on the seventh floor of a ten-storey residential building at Katowicka Street in Racibórz, in the Silesian region of southern Poland. Flames and thick smoke quickly spread from the balcony into the flat and began threatening the eighth floor above. Two people who were inside the apartment managed to leave by themselves before emergency crews arrived. One early dispatch from RMF FM initially cited the fourth floor, but all other sources, including spokespersons for the police and fire service, placed the fire on the seventh floor.
Evacuation and casualties
Police and fire services ordered a full evacuation of the entire block. All 33 apartments were cleared, and residents gathered outside as smoke billowed from the building. Four people from neighbouring apartments were treated for smoke inhalation on the scene, and one of them was transported to hospital for further care. No fatal injuries were reported.
The situation was dangerous. All 33 apartments in the block were evacuated to the outside.
Emergency response
Eight firefighting units were dispatched, along with police and ambulance teams. Fire crews managed to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading to other apartments. After extinguishing the fire, they ventilated the stairwell and used thermal imaging cameras to check for any remaining hotspots.
The fire started on the balcony and spread inside the apartment. We are now assessing the damage and the probable cause.
Disruption and investigation
During the operation, police closed a section of road between the intersections of Ocicka and Katowicka streets, urging drivers to use alternative routes. The exact cause of the fire and the full extent of the material damage are being determined by police and fire investigation experts.
