Development of Local and Volunteer Fire Departments Discussed at Meeting

A recent meeting at the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, chaired by Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration Oleh Syniehubov, focused on the critical topic of developing local and volunteer fire departments within the region. This discussion highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and emergency response capabilities.

The primary focus of the meeting was the advancement of fire and rescue units to support both local and volunteer fire departments. This initiative is a key component of ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens across the Kharkiv region. Discussions revolved around strategies to strengthen existing fire services and establish new units to cover a wider area.

According to the Head of the Main Department of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the Kharkiv region, Artem Astakhov, the development of these fire departments aligns with the Concept of Reforming Local Self-Government and Territorial Organization of Power in Ukraine, as approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on April 1, 2014. This concept designates the provision of fire suppression as a core responsibility of local self-government bodies at the basic level. Furthermore, Article 26 of the Law of Ukraine “On Local Self-Government in Ukraine” specifically outlines the exclusive competence of village, settlement, and city councils in establishing fire and rescue units to support local and volunteer fire protection, in accordance with the law.

A significant achievement in 2024 was the creation of 12 new local and volunteer fire departments across the Kharkiv region. These new departments represent a considerable increase in the region’s capacity to respond to emergencies. In the past year alone, local and volunteer fire departments successfully extinguished 717 fires. This statistic underscores the vital role these departments play in protecting lives and property.

The ongoing work to establish and develop local and volunteer fire departments remains a priority. This commitment is essential for ensuring an adequate level of safety for all residents of the Kharkiv region. The expansion of these services is a critical step in enhancing emergency response capabilities.

Oleh Syniehubov emphasized the need for local self-government bodies to develop a plan for the establishment of local (volunteer) fire departments and Security Centers between 2025 and 2027. He stressed the importance of taking effective measures to implement this plan. This proactive approach aims to further improve the region’s fire safety infrastructure and ensure that resources are available where they are most needed.