Nearly every day people around the world are informed about various disastrous events. Many of these dramatic events are natural disasters, caused by natural forces. However, a number of such incidents are caused by the development of technology and industrial use of dangerous chemicals. In Poland the Chief Commandant of the State Fire Service who also manages the Firefighting and Rescue Operations and the State Inspector for Environmental Protection have competencies in controlling serious industrial accidents. The article deals with the causes of serious industrial accidents, their frequency, local protective structures and the efficiency of remedying such accidents.