Lublin Firefighters Take Silver at Mountain Rescue Meet

31 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Lublin firefighters took silver at a mountain rescue competition in the Stołowe Mountains, losing by three seconds. The event tested life-saving rope skills.

Lublin firefighters stood on the podium again after a narrow loss at the 31st national meet. The mountain rescue competition in Karłów and on Szczeliniec Wielki ended with Lublin in second place.

Mountain rescue competition: Lublin team edged by three seconds

The Special High-Angle Rescue Group from JRG no. 2 in Lublin secured second place. Moreover, the winning team from Gdynia beat them by only three seconds. Consequently, the result shows how tight the contest remained. In addition, firefighters from Bydgoszcz finished third, about five minutes later.

The event ran from 28 to 30 August 2026. Around 30 teams from Poland, Czechia and Germany took part. Therefore, the meet tested international standards and interoperability. The route measured about six kilometres across the Stołowe Mountains. Furthermore, teams faced eight demanding technical tasks on rugged trails.

Competitors used specialized rope techniques and alpine gear. They performed rope ascents and descents, M-shaped traverses, and T-type climbs. Moreover, they practiced partner rescue methods and rescued a load from a rock crevice. Then, teams transported a teammate in an alpine stretcher for the final 100 metres. Consequently, judges scored speed, safety, technique and teamwork.

For Lublin the result means more than a sporting prize. The group applies these skills daily during emergencies. They respond to incidents in high places, deep excavations, wells and shafts. In addition, they use mountaineering techniques and professional rope equipment. Therefore, this contest helps them validate methods under pressure.

Local fire units often assist municipal emergency services. For expats, note that Polish emergency numbers include 112 and 998. Also, many rescue teams coordinate with GOPR mountain rescuers. GOPR handles non-urban mountain rescues and aligns protocols with fire services. Consequently, joint training improves cross-agency responses.

Historically, the contest grew from early 1990s training sessions. Initially, the Wałbrzysko-Kłodzka GOPR (now Sudecka GOPR) ran technical training. Then, organizers formalized the fitness test as a national competition in 1995. Thus, the meet now blends sport and professional validation. Furthermore, teams exchange tactics and latest rope techniques each year.

The competition also matters for foreigners living in Poland. It shows how rescue services train for complex terrain. Therefore, you can expect well-rehearsed, certified teams near tourist sites. Moreover, public safety benefits when squads practise realistic rescues. In addition, mountain authorities often post warnings when conditions change.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live or hike in Poland, learn the emergency numbers and carry ID. You will often need a PESEL (national ID number) for some services. Also, understand basics like ZUS (social security), NFZ (public health insurer) and the concept of a “mandat” (on-the-spot fine) when interacting with authorities.

Officials from Lublin highlighted consistent top finishes. For two years the group won first place. However, this year they kept their elite status with silver. Therefore, the city confirms its role in national specialist rescue capability. Meanwhile, local crews remain available for incidents across Lublin Voivodeship.

Journalists and rescue professionals watched for close finishes and technique. The narrow margin underlined how every second counts. Also, the event reinforced that training, not speed alone, saves lives. Finally, attendees exchanged practical tips and updated equipment knowledge.

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