On Monday evening, March 31, 2025, a significant fire broke out in a warehouse located on Modlińska Street near the Żerań Canal in Warsaw, causing serious damage and prompting a large-scale emergency response. The fire, which started shortly after 8 PM, quickly escalated, leading to the collapse of the building's roof and the involvement of 25 fire brigades in the firefighting efforts.
Initial reports indicated that the warehouse housed kayaks, engines, and various chemicals, contributing to the intensity of the blaze. Eyewitnesses described a thick cloud of smoke billowing towards the city center, raising concerns among local residents. "Very large fire in Warsaw near Modlińska, around the Żerań Canal. Unfortunately, the smoke cloud is heading south, towards the center of Warsaw," one reader reported to Kontakt24.
Firefighters were quick to respond, with units arriving on the scene to find the fire already well-established. According to Radosław Leśnik, a junior captain with the Warsaw Fire Department, the fire was so severe that it resulted in the roof collapsing. "We are still battling the spreading fire, which has covered an area of 40 by 50 meters," he said.
Two individuals were injured in the incident; one man, approximately 50 years old, suffered from smoke inhalation and minor burns while attempting to extinguish the fire before the firefighters arrived. He was treated at the scene and later left, while the other individual was assessed by medical personnel and likely transported to the hospital.
As the fire raged on, a chemical team was deployed to assess potential threats to public safety, given the presence of chemicals in the warehouse. Reports indicated that the smoke was dense enough to pose a real risk to areas closer to the city center. "A chemical group is on-site to check for dangers to residents," noted a spokesperson from the State Fire Service.
By midnight, firefighters had made significant progress in controlling the fire. However, they remained on-site to monitor for any remaining hotspots and to ensure that the fire was completely extinguished. "We have information about two slightly injured individuals. They were likely in the warehouse at the time of the fire and tried to put it out themselves," Leśnik added.
The warehouse belonged to Plastex, a company specializing in the production of kayaks, which were notably used during the 2000 Olympic Games. The owner, Ryszard Seruga, was celebrating his 72nd birthday on the same day as the fire. He expressed his devastation over the loss, stating, "The losses are enormous; the company has practically ceased to exist. The entire production hall, offices, and warehouse contents were destroyed. Nothing remains except for the building itself, which is now just a shell."
Local officials and fire department representatives have emphasized that, despite the severity of the situation, there was no immediate threat to the surrounding community. The fire's rapid spread and the subsequent smoke prompted heightened vigilance, but emergency services were able to manage the situation effectively.
In the aftermath, community members expressed their support for Seruga and his business, which has played a significant role in the local economy. The fire has raised questions regarding safety regulations and emergency preparedness in industrial areas, particularly those housing flammable materials.
As investigations into the cause of the fire begin, residents are left to reflect on the impact of this incident on their community and the future of local businesses. The swift action of the fire department has been praised, but concerns remain about the potential for similar incidents in the future.
In a city that has faced its share of challenges, this fire serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and community resilience. As the smoke clears, the focus will shift to recovery and rebuilding for those affected.
