Skopje, 20 May 2023 (MIA) – It was on this day in 1836 that an organized firefighting service was formed on the territory of Macedonia. Since then, it has been constantly developing, recording success in its work, showing readiness to deal with all difficulties that do not discourage the firefighters, on the contrary, make them braver and more determined, as this is what our profession requires, which is specific, responsible, but above all humane, Skopje Fire Fighting Brigade commander Zvonko Tomevski told Saturday's event on Fire Fighting Day in North Macedonia. 

The event was held at the facility of the Fire Fighting Brigade of the City of Skopje, under the theme "Heroes of the City", in the attendance of Skopje Mayor Danela Arsovska.

Arsovska extended gratitude to the firefighters and awarded them a symbolic monetary award as a mark of respect and gratitude.

"It is for a reason that they are called heroes of the city. They are here for each of us every day, to be make sure that when we need them the most, they will be there for us. In this past year we witnessed many situations which they managed to overcome and professionally protect our lives, our property, the property of the city, the property of the citizens of the city of Skopje. Therefore, through everything we have done so far, and we will continue to do in these next years, we will express our respect and gratitude every day," said Arsovska.

Speaking to reporters, Commander Tomovski pointed to the shortcomings and problems faced by the firefighters in the country, saying that despite the purchases of equipment and vehicles in the past period, it is still not enough.

"I hope that during this year we will do much more both for our safety and for the safety of the citizens of Skopje," he said.

He pointed out that firefighting is an attractive profession, but that employment finance is not approved for it.

Tomovski noted that according to the data in the latest population census, the number of citizens requires about 400 firefighters, and the country has only half of the required number.

"In percentage, this is 48 percent of the required number according to legal regulations. We should have one firefighter for every 1,500 residents, and according to the new data from the population census, we should have somewhere around 400 firefighters. We are half of the required number, but even in such number we have managed to cope with the challenges. Renewal is necessary. We mentioned today that a colleague decided to retire, and we have a constant outflow of personnel who have great experience and cannot transfer it to newcomers, which is also a great loss for the profession itself," Tomovski said.

Since the beginning of the calendar year, firefighters have had 390 interventions to extinguish fires, mostly in urban areas, and 50 technical interventions in traffic accidents and the like. The brigade currently employs 190 employees.

Photo: MIA