The Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs consistently implements a targeted and coordinated policy aimed at preventing fire hazards and reducing risks in forest and vegetated areas.

In this context, on the initiative of the Rescue Forces Department of the Rescue Service, training sessions on “Fightingfires in forested and vegetated Areas” and “Development of the volunteer movement” were held in Vayots Dzor and Syunik provinces on October 21-22.

The purpose of the training sessions was to develop the capacities of local structures in forest fire prevention, effective response and community involvement, as well as to promote the formation of a volunteer movement in the regions.

The representatives of local self-government bodies of Vayots Dzor and Syunik provinces, employees of regional administrations and communities, administrative leaders and sector officials participated.

During the training sessions, the participants were introduced to the main risk factors for fire occurrence, effective forms of response organization and awareness-raising, best practices in organizing and expanding the volunteer movement in communities, as well as other issues related to the topic. Special attention was paid to the effective use of local resources and strengthening community cooperation as a key condition for fighting fires and ensuring environmental safety.

Opportunities for expanding cooperation and issues of implementing joint programs were also discussed.

Such initiatives in the format of training sessions were an important prerequisite for developing the capacities of regional structures, promoting inter-community cooperation and strengthening environmental safety. The fire prevention and nature protection require a coordinated approach with the active participation of state structures, communities and civil society.