On the night of 24-25 August, a devastating fire broke out at a tenement building on Kraszewskiego Street in Poznań. The flames quickly engulfed the structure, and witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion as the historic building erupted, injuring several firefighters. Tragically, two young firefighters lost their lives in the rescue effort.

On the city’s official Facebook page, several statements were issued by Mayor Jacek Jaśkowiak. The mayor reassured those affected by the disaster that they would not be left without support. "Residents impacted by the overnight fire can rely on our assistance. We know that local entrepreneurs operate near the site of the incident, and we will ensure they can resume their businesses as quickly as possible."

Many businesses around the burnt tenement have had to suspend operations for safety reasons. Until the authorities demolish the damaged building, nearby restaurants and service outlets will remain closed.

Just two days after the fire, another message from Mayor Jaśkowiak appeared on Facebook: "The fire was a devastating tragedy for the residents and firefighters, but also for the entrepreneurs who lost their livelihoods and life’s work. Since Sunday, we have provided material, legal, and psychological support to those affected, and now we have prepared an offer for business owners. Entrepreneurs whose premises were damaged or rendered unusable by the fire can apply for business spaces from ZKZL on preferential terms," the post stated.

An extensive post by one of the affected entrepreneurs appeared on X, where Jakub Tepper, owner of Min's Table, Kimchiken, and Tonari, voiced his disappointment over the lack of support from the city. Tepper specifically criticised Mayor Jacek Jaśkowiak, writing: "Mr Mayor, I have some questions. Why the false promises? Why make announcements? Why release selective information to the public to present yourself as a mayor who cares about his city?"

Tepper described his attempts to seek assistance, only to be repeatedly redirected between various institutions. Despite contacting a dedicated hotline and sending emails to the official support address, he was passed from one department to another. His efforts included reaching out to:

• The Poznań City Office,
• MOPR (Municipal Family Assistance Centre),
• ZKZL (Municipal Housing Association),
• Tax Office (suggested by the city),
• Social Security Office (suggested by the city),
• Crisis Management Centre (twice),
• Alcohol Licensing Department,
• Department of Economics and Agriculture.

He was told that information was being collected to assess the need for support at the provincial and ministerial levels, but was then informed that "the topic has died down"—a comment he found inappropriate. Tepper was assured he would receive a phone call by noon on 4 September to confirm the situation. Posting at 12:31 p.m. that same day, Tepper concluded: "No, the phone never rang."

Finally, Tepper added that the much-publicised support promised by Mayor Jaśkowiak has not materialised.