Northern Moldova will be better prepared to handle emergency situations thanks to a cross-border project between the Balti Directorate for Emergency Situations and the commune of Miroslava in Iasi County, Romania. The initiative aims to modernize intervention infrastructure and train volunteers on both sides of the Prut River, reports nordnews.md.
“The main objective is to develop and strengthen the capacities of volunteer firefighters in various emergency situations by modernizing infrastructure, equipping teams and training future volunteers,” said Daniel Golovca, head of the Balti Directorate for Emergency Situations.
In Balti, the project focuses on training volunteer rescuers. More than 150 people will participate in training sessions, joint exercises and emergency simulations. The goal is to increase the intervention capacity of local teams, including in cases of extreme weather events caused by climate change.
“During the implementation period, 370 potential volunteers will be trained. Additional training sessions will be organized for those already active. The Directorate for Emergency Situations will also benefit from improved logistics: an off-road vehicle for training, protective equipment and other necessary gear,” explained Ion Gutium, head of the Intervention Section within the Balti DES.
In the commune of Miroslava, a new fire station will be built that will serve not only the locality but also the surrounding villages. This will reduce response time for fires and other emergencies. The station will be equipped with modern firefighting vehicles, advanced equipment and intervention materials.
“The project will consist of establishing a fully equipped fire station with trained personnel, ensuring an efficient volunteer emergency service,” said Ancuta Ursan, representative of the Miroslava commune.
The project is funded through the Interreg NEXT Romania–Republic of Moldova Program and will run from July 2025 to July 2027, with a total budget of more than 1.7 million euros.