"Only a comprehensive approach can help reduce risks." Gomel Region firefighters have stepped up fire prevention efforts. 

January 21, Gomel. The number of fires in the Gomel Region has doubled since the beginning of the year. Rescuers have stepped up their preventative efforts, Veronika Matusevich, official spokesperson for the Gomel Regional Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations,

told BelTA. The southeastern region is seeing an increase in fires. Sometimes, daily reports add dozens of fires. The emergency services receive 20-30 reports of fire emergencies. So far this year, there have been 137 fires, killing five people and injuring seven. During the same period last year, 69 fires were recorded, killing eight people and injuring the same number.

Rescuers are actively working with the public on all fronts, literally. "A comprehensive fire prevention program has been launched. Rescuers not only inspect homes individually for fire safety and conduct in-home education with residents, but also make maximum use of public spaces and crowded areas, and conduct workgroup outreach," explained Veronika Matusevich.

The prevention program has been significantly expanded, building on classic methods. They're using not only standard algorithms but also creativity and even humor.

For example, Svetlogorsk rescuers held events at retail locations. In stores, they briefed customers on the local emergency situation, gave advice on the safe maintenance of homes and the use of stove heating, and reminded them of emergency procedures and the importance of equipping homes with autonomous smoke alarms, which can promptly detect smoke and alert them to a fire. Saved lives are the best advertisement for this device.

Emergency services also updated information boards in stores, and the liquor department now features themed "reminders" about the need to observe safety regulations.

Zhlobin specialists held a comprehensive discussion with residents at the bus and train stations. During the discussions, they cited examples of tragedies caused by careless handling of fire, including smoking, and reminded residents about stove safety. "It's important to use only properly functioning stoves and other heating appliances. It's best to light the stove several times a day, avoiding overheating. Do not leave stoves unattended, and do not let children supervise them. Do not use flammable liquids to light fires," the district emergency department reminded.

Visual aids have been updated on information boards at the train stations .

Rechitsa District Emergency Department staff emphasize safety issues to their work teams. Each meeting begins with a statistical overview of the region, followed by a reminder of fire safety at home, the causes of winter fires, and fire prevention measures. Communication is structured as a dialogue. Of particular interest is the practical part, which concerns the installation of autonomous fire alarms, as well as clarification of stove heating requirements and the operation of electrical equipment.

Veronika Matusevich assured that extensive preventative measures are being implemented in all districts of the region. "Rescuers are working across various sectors and areas of life. Only a comprehensive approach will help reduce risks and improve safety," the official representative concluded.