A fire station is planned to be built in the Bilevo microdistrict of Vitebsk
A fire and rescue post was established in Bilevo in December 2016. However, the microdistrict is developing, and the need for more rescuers is growing. "A site has already been selected, a building is available, and design documentation is being developed. In Bilevo, we plan to erect a large complex with a training ground and a stadium where rescuers will practice various drills. Local residents will also be able to visit our sports grounds, exercise, and observe the employees' training," noted Sergey Meshkіn.
He added that this year they had planned to build a fire station in the Aerodrom microdistrict in Polotsk. However, the pandemic changed the plans, and budget funds were allocated for other purposes. Next year, the regional executive committee and rescuers intend to return to this project. Starting from the new academic year, the third safety center in the region will open in Novopolotsk. Children from neighboring districts will come here, but there are plans to open similar facilities in each district center.
The head of the regional emergency situations department added that Vitebsk rescuers are implementing two international projects. Under the first project, equipment for responding to water incidents will be purchased for 150,000 euros. Under the second project, they plan to acquire an all-terrain vehicle. This vehicle will assist in searching for people lost in forests and swamps. A special unit has been created at the regional emergency situations department for such cases.
In the Vitebsk region, over the past six months of this year, the number of fires decreased by one (from 460 to 459) compared to the same period in 2019. 56 people died in fires (almost 70% of them were intoxicated), which is 12 more residents than in the same period last year. At the same time, regional emergency situations department employees rescued 83 people (in fires, road accidents, on water, and in other emergency situations).