A ceremony was held in the capital’s Mother Teresa Square to mark International Firefighters’ Day. Interior Minister Taulant Balla said the fire service must reach the highest standards in order to serve citizens.
“Our path to EU membership must also transform this service, so that it is like in the most advanced countries,” the minister said.
“May 4, Firemen’s Day, in Albania is also linked to May 5, Martyrs’ Day, as this service has also fallen in the line of duty,” he said.
The Minister appreciated their contribution and said he was proud of the level of preparedness after closely following dozens of cases of intervention to extinguish fires last summer, but admitted that in recent years not enough had been done for this service, for dignified treatment.
“But we have begun to open a new stage for the treatment of this service, which has entered the phase of transformation of human resources, or support with the right infrastructure with tools and equipment, but also the right financial treatment,” said Balla.
On the eve of the tourist season, and the season of fires caused by high summer temperatures, the Minister said that the commitment is complete and with it the experience.
“Last year we had more than 500 rescues, most of them foreign tourists who want to enjoy the natural beauties of Albania to the maximum, but who needed intervention to find them, rescue them, evacuate them and return them to their homes and hotels where they are staying. In addition, as the number of tourists is expected to increase, the demand for rescue services will naturally increase. We have started preparations, we are also working with other partners, and I would like to welcome the Mountaineering Federation. But, the example that comes to us from other countries is that the fire service needs volunteers, and we need volunteers too. We need to develop it and we need to get the best models,” Balla pointed out.
The fire service currently has 1,300 members in 61 municipalities across the country. The Minister reiterated the message that the service needs prepared people and there is no room for lazybones. “Being a firefighter requires many qualities, both physical and professional. That’s why we need people who are ready to face difficult challenges,” Balla appealed.
The guests watched some intervention exercises prepared by the fire brigade.
During the tourist season, the Fire Brigade and the National Police and Emergency Services will operate with a Technical Intervention Team (TNT) in some hot and populated spots to be on standby in case of emergencies.