From 1 January 2026, new stages of the requirement to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors came into effect.
The obligation also applies to commercial, industrial, and storage buildings.
Senior Fire Brigade officer and spokesperson Karol Kierzkowski stressed that the requirement for all residential buildings will only come into force in four years, but he encouraged people to equip their homes with detectors now.
“Only then will our safety reach a truly high level. We have a chance to wake up and escape before a fire spreads and smoke blocks or cuts off our exit,” Kierzkowski explained to national broadcaster Polish Radio.
The rule already covers large hotels, and from 1 June 2026, it will extend to smaller lodging facilities.
“Every year, several hundred people die in fires in Poland,” warned a spokesperson for the State Fire Service in earlier media remarks, urging residents to install smoke detectors.
Where to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
For new or newly commissioned buildings, detectors should be installed immediately.
Smoke alarms should be mounted on ceilings - ideally in hallways, bedrooms, and on every floor of the building.
Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed no more than three metres from a combustion source, such as a stove or fireplace.
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Source: PSP/PR24/Polish Radio English Service