Operational risk in the operation of Volunteer Fire Department Biegonice – Nowy Sącz

Volunteer fire departments play a key role in ensuring the safety of local communities, undertaking rescue and firefighting operations in a dynamic and unpredictable operational environment. In the context of the above analyses, the following research question emerges: What are the operational risks in the activities of the Biegonice-Nowy Sącz Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) and what methods can be used to manage them? The article analyses operational risks in the operation of the Biegonice-Nowy Sącz VFD unit based on a survey of its members. The survey made it possible to identify some key risk factors. Based on the results, specific solutions were proposed to minimize the risk. The results of the study are a practical contribution to the development of risk management strategies in emergency services, offering guidance to other units facing similar challenges.