on 26 June 2024, a huge fire broke out in Jelcz-Laskowice in the predawn hours, engulfing one of the region’s most important monuments – the neo-Gothic palace on Kukułcza Street.
This palace, built between 1886 and 1894, replaced a 17th-century wooden hunting lodge and was owned by the Saurm family, as evidenced by the family crest on the building’s frontage. After the Second World War, the palace was occupied by Soviet troops and then by Polish troops. Later, the building was the seat of the Catholic Charitable Mission. The palace is surrounded by a 9.5 hectare park, decorated in the English style, which once contained an orangery with exotic plants.
The palace at the beginning of the 20th century. Source: Opole Digital Library
The fire brigade was notified at around 11:30 a.m. Fire brigade units, including teams from Wrocław, immediately rushed to the site. The firefighting operation started at 11:37 a.m. Thirteen fire brigade units, with a total of 36 firefighters, took part in the fight against the blaze. The fire initially covered the attic of the palace, quickly spreading to the remaining parts of the building. According to Captain Tomasz Woźnica of the District Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Oława, the fire has already covered around one-fifth of the total roof area. Smoke is visible from several kilometres away, including from Sępolno in Wrocław and from Oława. The news of the fire quickly spread to the surrounding area, with residents expressing deep concern over the fate of the historic palace. It is not only a valuable architectural monument, but also an important element of local identity and history.
A few years ago, the palace in Jelcz-Laskowice was purchased by a private investor, who started its renovation. Unfortunately, the current fire may significantly affect plans for the restoration of the building. It is difficult at the moment to estimate the full damage and the future steps that will have to be taken to restore the palace to its former glory. The causes of the fire are as yet unknown. There is no information about the injured persons. Specialised equipment, including a ladder truck from Wrocław, has been brought to the scene to fight the fire more effectively. An intensive firefighting operation is underway and firefighters are doing everything possible to save as much of the valuable monument as possible.
Source: olawa24.pl
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