Equipping Volunteer Fire Brigades and State Fire Brigades with modern equipment
13.10.2023
We support firefighters and volunteer firefighters because we realise how important it is. They risk their life and limb every day for our safety. As such, we strive to provide them with modern equipment to make their work easier and safer. To that end, we are constantly increasing funding for fire station development. This year alone, more than 670 state-of-the-art fire engines have been delivered to Volunteer Fire Brigades (VFBs). We have also introduced several measures to support firefighters and their families. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki visited the State Fire Service (SFS) facility in Ruda Śląska. Thanks to government funding, the city will soon gain a new fire station.
Support for the State Fire Service
We support the development of state services through continued investment. We have launched the 2022–2025 Police, Border Guard, State Fire Service and State Protection Service Modernisation Programme, under which the State Fire Service will be receiving over PLN 1.9 billion. The programme will enable the construction of 53 new fire stations and the modernisation of 67 existing ones. The procurement of as many as 40 special fire engines is also planned.
“The Ruda Śląska fire station will be almost ready by October. This is made possible by funding provided under the modernisation programme”, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki explained.
In February this year, the Prime Minister attended the laying of the foundation stone for the new SFS fire station in Ruda Śląska.
Support for voluntary fire brigades
We recognise the dedication of firefighters across the country. Since 2016, we have subsidised the purchase of more than 3,620 fire engines for Voluntary Fire Brigade units. In 2023 alone, nearly 700 fire and rescue vehicles were delivered to VFBs.
“This year alone, the VFBs have received around 700 fire engines, and the State Fire Service has also gained many new pieces of equipment”, the head of government stressed.
Further, this year saw the deliveries of other firefighting equipment to over 3,300 Volunteer Fire Brigades across Poland, with this equipment including:
- personal protective equipment (uniforms, helmets, safety footwear);
- communications equipment, power tools (chainsaws for wood and metal);
- rescue and firefighting equipment (pumps, hoses).
Legal solutions for firefighters and their families
We have introduced solutions that directly support firefighters and their families.
- Act amending certain acts in connection with the introduction of a long-service allowance
State Fire Service officers may apply for the new allowance after 15 years of service. Its amount is 5% of the basic remuneration applicable upon reaching 15 years of service. This amount is further increased by 1% for each additional year of service commenced (up to a maximum of 15% after 25 years of service).
- Act on Voluntary Fire Brigades
The act has allowed nearly 100,000 retired volunteer firefighters to receive the long-awaited VFB service benefits. The right to this benefit is granted to volunteer firefighters who participated in operations or actions at least once each year for at least 25 years in the case of men and 20 years in the case of women.
- Act on financial benefits for families of officers or professional soldiers who perished in the line of duty or while saving life, limb or property outside of duty
The act allows the relatives of SFS officers and VFB firefighters who died performing their duties in life-threatening conditions to receive financial benefits. Moreover, these benefits are also available to families of officers and volunteer firefighters who died attempting to save the lives and property of other people while off duty.
