VUGD Hands Over 48 Firefighting Tankers to Municipalities; 30 Already Delivered

The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) is finalizing the handover of 48 firefighting tankers and related equipment to municipalities, as part of enhanced collaboration in fire safety and public education. According to VUGD, 16 municipalities expressed interest in receiving the vehicles: Jēkabpils, Tukums, Talsi, Saldus, Ropaži, Bauska, Kuldīga, Dienvidkurzeme, Aizkraukle, Valka, Valmiera, Limbaži, Sigulda, Cēsis, Dobele, and Augšdaugava.

Re-registration of the vehicles began in early June, and by mid-June, 30 tankers had already been handed over. The remaining 18 are expected to be transferred soon. The tankers are equipped with basic firefighting gear and will be used by municipal and volunteer firefighter organizations in coordination with VUGD personnel. This will enable local authorities to support the service, particularly in areas where risk assessments indicate a need for additional involvement.

The transfer became possible after the adoption of the Fire Safety, Firefighting and Rescue Law, which broadens the role of volunteer firefighters and emphasizes prevention. VUGD stresses that municipal participation is key to strengthening local safety, and cooperation between state and local institutions ensures timely and coordinated action in emergencies.