Pożarki

Story

Pożarki are two little firefighter dwarfs, Pożarek I and Pożarek II, who dash across the open space in front of the Basilica of St. Elizabeth at ul. św. Elżbiety 1. They wear fire-service helmets, carry small axes at their belts and drag a hose behind them, as if they are racing to put out a blaze that only they can see. Legend says they never take a day off, because even a dwarf's hat can catch fire when nobody expects it. Stand beside them and you can almost hear the siren, with the tall church tower rising behind your head.

History & Significance

The Pożarki were unveiled on 15 May 2011, during the regional firefighters' celebrations, to mark the 90th anniversary of the Union of Volunteer Fire Brigades of the Republic of Poland. They were made by sculptor Grzegorz Łagowski. The unveiling was led by the head of the regional board of the volunteer fire brigades, together with senior officers of the State Fire Service and a chaplain. The pair also remember three fires that damaged St. Elizabeth's church, in 1960, 1975 and 1976. Like every Wrocław dwarf, they carry on the tradition that began with the Orange Alternative, the playful 1980s protest movement that painted dwarfs on city walls.

Inspiration

The Pożarki salute firefighters, the people who run towards danger while everybody else runs away. The occasion was the 90th birthday of the volunteer fire brigade union, which goes back to 1921, and the dwarfs show firefighters at their most heroic, with helmets on and hoses ready. They stand in front of St. Elizabeth's, a Gothic church whose tower has been hit by fire more than once, so the statue is both a thank-you and a reminder. Their name plays on 'pożar', the Polish word for a fire, with a cuddly little ending.

Fun Facts

• There are two of them, Pożarek I and Pożarek II, and they run as a team.
• They remember three fires that hit St. Elizabeth's church in 1960, 1975 and 1976.
• Their gear includes helmets and tiny axes, just like real firefighters.
• A sleepy dwarf called Śpioch lives only about three metres away, so let's hope the sirens do not wake him.

How to Find This Dwarf

From the Old Town Hall, walk about 150 metres north-west towards the Basilica of St. Elizabeth, the big Gothic church whose tall tower is visible from almost everywhere on the Rynek. The Pożarki run across the paved area in front of the church. From the north-western corner of the Market Square it is only a short walk. Your mission: be firefighters for one minute, run on the spot, shout 'Fire brigade!' and then find the tallest tower you can see. Stay on the paved square, away from the road.

Nearby Dwarfs

Frequently Asked Questions

Accessibility

Ground LevelOutdoor

They stand at ground level in the open space in front of the church. Expect Old Town paving, which can be uneven for wheels, and keep an eye on children near the busy street.