Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to recognition and understanding of the inter-organisational learning processes in the public safety management system. Design/methodology/approach. The findings presented in this paper are based on empirical data including: first, desk research in the scope of inter-organisational learning; second, participant observation conducted in the Provincial Headquarters of the State Fire Service in the Silesia Province in the years 2013–2014; third, hermeneutic process within a focus group of scholars conducted in December 2014 within a four-person group of researchers. The carried out studies have shown the usefulness of the three-loop learning model appliance. Findings. The paper analyses the course of inter-organisational learning in dynamic and uncertain operating conditions. As a result, the main methods and effects of inter-organisational learning in the public safety management system are identified. Originality/value. The paper adds a new value to understanding of inter-organisational learning in the framework of public safety management by driving attention to the importance of inter-organisational learning and its practical use. It also provides a useful research model for investigating inter-organisational learning and effective public safety management.