Over 1500 Firefighters and Volunteers to Undergo Disaster and Fire Training.

More than 1,500 firefighters and volunteers will receive training under projects aimed at improving preparedness for preventing and responding to disasters, fires, and emergency situations.

Around 130 firefighters and volunteers have already completed training courses, while the main part of the practical exercises and joint drills will take place after all planned equipment has been delivered.

Large-scale information campaigns are also planned to promote volunteer work and attract more volunteers for preventing and dealing with the consequences of natural disasters.

The initiatives are being implemented through joint efforts by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy under the Human Resources Development Programme, co-financed by the European Union.

The projects include 28 initiatives of the General Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection (GDFSP) and the 27 regional fire safety directorates, which are working together with municipalities and the National Association of Volunteers.

According to Labour Minister Natalia Efremova, international exchange of experience is also among the key activities. The first exchange with partners from Romania has already taken place, with further joint initiatives planned.

Efremova made the statement during an event for the delivery of new equipment funded through the Human Resources Development Programme. The event was also attended by Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev, Chief Commissioner Aleksandar Dzhartov, director of the General Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection, and Yasen Tsvetkov, chairman of the National Association of Volunteers.