The history of organised fire protection in Mszczonów reaches further back than the traditionally accepted year 1880. Sources cited by the Mszczonów Land Memory Chamber show that fire protection was present in the town already in the first half of the 19th century.
Early traces of fire protection
A document related to the construction of the town hall from 19 April 1825 mentions a shed for fire equipment. This is one of the oldest known traces of organised fire protection in Mszczonów.
The great fire of Mszczonów
On 9 October 1862 the town was struck by a major fire. According to historical sources, only about 30 buildings, the municipal house and the fire equipment shed remained.
Registration of the unit
1880 is traditionally treated as the founding year of the local fire brigade. The unit was registered and Count Kazimierz Krasiński of Radziejowice became its first president.
Formation of the brass band
Ten years after registration, a brass band was established. Its founder and first bandmaster was Aleksander Kuźniecow, and the musicians were also active firefighters.
The first banner
Thanks to the efforts of the unit's leadership and the local community, the first banner was funded and presented to the fire brigade in 1906.
The current name
After the national congress of fire brigade delegates in 1921, a unified name for volunteer fire brigades was adopted. Since then the unit has used the name Ochotnicza Straż Pożarna w Mszczonowie.
Mechanical fire pump
In 1934 the brigade received a mechanical fire pump, an important step in modernising equipment that had previously included hand pumps and horse transport.
War and rebuilding
During the Second World War the unit's achievements were destroyed: the fire station, equipment, instruments and banner burned down. After liberation, firefighters began rebuilding the unit and the band.
The first standard fire engine
Using collected funds and public contributions, the brigade purchased its first standard Star fire engine. Youth teams were also formed in 1963-1964.
Expansion of the Fire House
Thanks to the commitment of firefighters and residents, the fire station was expanded with garages, duty room, hall, band and board facilities. It became an important place for local community life.
Archival photographs
Source of the study and photographs: Mszczonów Land Memory Chamber - History of the Fire Brigade in Mszczonów.