In the Vitebsk region in 2012, deaths from fires decreased by 17%
In the Vitebsk region, the number of fires decreased by 12% in 2012 compared to the previous year, and the number of fatalities in fires decreased by 17%, as reported to a BELTA correspondent by Vasily Chekan, Head of the Vitebsk Regional Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
In total, about 1.2 thousand fires occurred in the region last year, which is 163 cases less than in 2011. 161 people died from fires, compared to 195 in the previous year. The number of injured decreased by 19% (by 18 people) to 77 citizens, respectively. "Certainly, the main achievements of 2012 are the 745 lives saved. The fact that thanks to our efforts, 267 heads of cattle were also saved, 1.7 thousand buildings and 146 units of equipment were prevented from being destroyed by fire is also significant. In facilities of state and public funds, we achieved a 17% reduction in fires, 33% fewer buildings were destroyed, 6 times less livestock was destroyed, and 6 times less coarse fodder," noted Vasily Chekan, emphasizing that the basis for such results is the intensive and large-scale preventive work carried out throughout the year.
In addition, employees of the region's Ministry of Emergency Situations units participated in the aftermath of 111 road traffic accidents, where 12 people were rescued, and made 132 trips for demercurization work on mercury spills.
Preventing fires in residential buildings was a special focus last year. Thus, over 12 months, employees of the emergency services and units inspected 97.6 thousand households out of more than 223 thousand households located in the region. 55.1 thousand fire safety measures were prescribed, and 102.5 thousand were recommended for implementation. Accountability for citizens violating fire safety rules in residential buildings increased by 17% compared to 2011 and more than fourfold compared to 2010 and 2009. Approximately 4.6 thousand homeowners were brought to administrative responsibility.
Regarding the achievements of 2012, Vasily Chekan noted that no serious emergencies occurred during the past period, and the number of fires in the high-risk season decreased. Certain work was carried out by the Emergency Situations Commission, which yielded results: the spring flood passed without flooding residential areas.
Maintaining fitness and improving professionalism is also facilitated by the organization of large-scale operational tactical special exercises in the region, the head of the department added. For example, in July 2012, joint exercises of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Belarus and the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia were held in the region on the topic "Liquidation of transboundary emergencies related to accidents at main oil and gas pipelines." And in November, exercises of the Vitebsk garrison were held at the oil products storage facility of "Belorusneft-Vitebskoblnefteprodukt" as part of the training of the region's territorial defense forces. The results of these events were highly praised by the regional leadership and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Vasily Chekan noted.