More than 2,300 firefighters responded and 68 people were rescued. The Ministry of Emergency Situations in the Vitebsk Region summarized the year's results.

January 13,Vitebsk . In 2024 , rescuers in the Vitebsk Region responded to fires and blazes more than 2,300 times, the Vitebsk Regional Emergency Situations Ministry (MES) told a BelTA correspondent.

Summing up the past year, Sergei Meleshkin, HEAD of the Vitebsk Regional Emergency Situations Ministry , noted that the number of fires in the region increased by 1.9%, but the number of fire-related deaths decreased by 11.7%. "In 2024, Vitebsk Region Emergency Ministry units responded to fires and blazes on more than 2,300 occasions. As a result of these operations, 68 people were rescued, including nine children. 730 people were evacuated, including 335 minors. The region recorded a 1.9% increase in fires compared to 2023 (914 versus 897). Fire-related deaths decreased by 11.7% compared to 2023—83 versus 94. Rescuers were also called upon to respond to 24 road accidents, rescuing 17 people, including one child. In the waters of the Vitebsk Region, Emergency Ministry personnel rescued nine people, including four children," the head of the regional Emergency Ministry reported.

The main causes of fires were careless handling of fire, violations of electrical grid and equipment installation and operation rules, as well as stoves and other heat-generating devices, and children playing with fire. Last year, the number of arson cases increased (from 16 to 27). More than 77% of those killed in fires were intoxicated.ALCOHOL intoxication . Pensioners were at risk, accounting for 42.2% of the total number of fatalities. The head of the regional Ministry of Emergency Situations also noted that men outnumbered women in the fire by 3.1 times.

Sergei Meleshkin reiterated the rescuers' response to the largest emergency of the past year—the fire at the Belarus shopping center, which occurred in Vitebsk on December 13. "A total of 23 high-altitude and fire-fighting equipment and 99 Ministry of Emergency Situations personnel were involved in the response. Four firefighting battle areas were established at the fire to search and rescue people, simultaneously deploying fire hoses to extinguish the source, and 14 gas and smoke protection teams were deployed. The fire covered an area of ​​2,000 cubic meters. Ministry of Emergency Situations personnel rescued 10 people," the head of the regional Ministry of Emergency Situations said.

He emphasized that Vitebsk region rescuers are constantly conducting preventative measures. "Last year, over 108,000 households belonging to socially vulnerable citizens were inspected. More than 7,400 violations in the operation of stove heating systems were identified, and repairs were carried out on just over 6,000 stoves. Nearly 2,000 violations in the operation of electrical networks and equipment were also identified, and over 1,300 were corrected. The coordinated work of prevention agencies within the inspection commissions helps citizens cope with difficult life situations and prevent tragedies," emphasized the head of the Vitebsk Regional Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Sergei Meleshkin also noted that rescuers in the region are receiving assistance with housing issues. This year, 74 rental apartments will be provided for Vitebsk region EMERCOM employees; construction was completed in December 2024.