Massive fire engulfs residential complex near Warsaw: reports

A massive fire tore through a residential complex in the Warsaw suburb of Ząbki on Thursday evening, prompting a large emergency response, according to media reports.

Photo:

PAP/Marcin Obara

Flames engulfed the roof of a large U-shaped apartment building as dozens of fire crews battled the blaze, public broadcaster TVP Info reported.

Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara

Emergency responders worked to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.

🚒O godz. 19:27 strażacy otrzymali zgłoszenie o pożarze poddasza w 4-kondygnacyjnym budynku w Ząbkach.

🔥Ogień objął poddasza bloków o wymiarach 80×20 m każdy. Na miejscu działa 2️⃣6️⃣ samochodów i 7️⃣0️⃣ strażaków. Trwa akcja gaśnicza. Brak informacji o osobach rannych. pic.twitter.com/R8JDBdIRLp

— Karol Kierzkowski (@Kierzkowski_PSP) July 3, 2025

There were no immediate reports of casualties, according to local official Patrycja Żołnierzak.

Strong winds fanned the flames and hampered firefighting efforts, with experts speculating about possible causes of the fire.

Płonie blok pod Warszawą. Rzecznik PSP: strażaków może czekać cała noc walki z żywiołem. https://t.co/tzQ57VUDi6

— PolskieRadio24.pl (@PR24_pl) July 3, 2025

At least 60 firefighting units were at the scene, with reinforcements arriving from neighbouring towns and from the capital.

Kłęby czarnego dymu w podwarszawskich Ząbkach. Pali się blok#PAPinformacjehttps://t.co/zuC5mGMURc

— PAP (@PAPinformacje) July 3, 2025

Police cordoned off the area as thick smoke billowed above the building, urging residents to stay away.

Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara

Despite the warnings, a crowd of onlookers gathered near the scene, footage showed.

Photo: PAP/Marcin Obara

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Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info, TVN24