Inauguration of the post of volunteer rescuers and firefighters in Zubrești locality Raion Strășeni

Today, October 3, 2025, an official inauguration ceremony was held in Zubrești, Strășeni District, for the new Community Fire and Rescue Station—a initiative aimed at enhancing community safety and strengthening emergency response capabilities.

The event was attended by Mr. Victor Grosu, State Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs; Colonel Aurel Baciu, representing the leadership of the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (GIES); development partners from Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova; and representatives of local public authorities.

In his address, State Secretary of the MAI, Mr. Victor Grosu, emphasized that establishing and developing community fire stations represents a crucial step in reducing disaster risks and protecting citizens across the country.

For his part, GIES Head Colonel Aurel Baciu stated that the opening of this station is not merely an investment in equipment or infrastructure, but a direct contribution to citizen safety, community resilience, and our capacity to respond swiftly and effectively in emergencies. He also reaffirmed GIES’s commitment to expanding the network of volunteer fire stations nationwide.

The Zubrești station was built from the ground up under the EU4Moldova Resilience initiative, made possible through financial support from the European Union and Solidarity Fund PL, as well as contributions from local public authorities and the Strășeni District Council within the framework of the pilot project “Strengthening the Civil Protection System in the Republic of Moldova.”

The total investment amounted to approximately 3 million MDL, with Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova contributing 1.94 million MDL through the Polish Aid Democracy Support Programme.

The community station building meets all European standards and includes a training room, kitchen, rest room, bathroom, and necessary furnishings. Additionally, the station has been equipped with a fire engine donated by Poland, for which a dedicated garage bay was constructed.

The Zubrești Fire and Rescue Station will serve four localities—Zubrești, Voinova, Chirianca, and Recea—covering an extended area of Strășeni District. With its operational launch, over 12,400 residents will benefit from enhanced safety and faster emergency response in cases of fires, exceptional situations, or other risks.

The station will be staffed by 10 volunteer firefighters trained to respond promptly to fires and other emergencies, acting as the first line of response until professional fire crews arrive. These volunteers completed a specialized training course delivered by GIES instructors, acquiring practical skills in firefighting, first aid, and road accident victim rescue.
The Zubrești Fire and Rescue Station is the 81st territorial station in the country and the 22nd operating on a volunteer basis.

Currently, the Republic of Moldova has 81 territorial fire and rescue stations, of which 64 are active—59 employ civilian personnel, and 22 operate with volunteers.

Throughout 2025, territorial fire and rescue stations have responded to 772 fires, significantly contributing to limiting material damage and safeguarding citizens’ lives.

The development and expansion of the territorial station network—including volunteer-based units—plays a vital role in strengthening primary emergency response capabilities, thereby enhancing civil protection at both local and national levels.