Heating season in Poland: firefighters push smoke and CO detectors
Poland's State Fire Service is running a campaign on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors until 31 March 2027. Homes see tens of thousands of fires and several thousand CO incidents each year. Detectors will be mandatory in all homes from 2030.
What happened
On 1 October, Poland’s State Fire Service launched a campaign on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, running through the heating season until 31 March 2027. Firefighters point to tens of thousands of house fires and several thousand CO incidents each year. In Lublin province alone, 407 CO incidents have been recorded since January 2026, with 60 people affected and 4 deaths. From 1 January 2030, detectors become mandatory in all Polish homes.
Why it matters
Carbon monoxide has no smell or colour, and early symptoms are easy to mistake for tiredness. The risk climbs when heating comes on, and new, tighter windows can reduce ventilation. This applies wherever you live, and you do not need to wait for a legal requirement. A low-cost alarm buys time, including at night, though it does not replace a chimney check.
What you can do
- Fit a smoke alarm, and a CO alarm wherever fuel is burned, and test them regularly (see Smoke, CO and gas detectors).
- Have chimneys and ventilation checked, especially after replacing windows.
- If you get a headache, dizziness or drowsiness, open windows, get outside and call emergency services (see Carbon monoxide).
- Agree on a way out with everyone at home (see House and apartment fires).
Helpful guides
- Home Equipment Smoke, CO and gas detectors Which alarms your home needs: smoke (photoelectric or heat), carbon monoxide, natural gas and combination units. Which certifications to check, where to install them in an apartment or house, and how long they last.
- Home Carbon monoxide Carbon monoxide has no smell, color or taste and kills people in their sleep. What produces it at home, the signs of poisoning, where to put a detector and what to do the moment the alarm sounds.
- Emergencies House and apartment fires Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and an escape plan. What to do if a pan of oil catches fire, an appliance burns or smoke fills the stairwell.