Borjomi, the famous spa in Georgia, is located in the area of afforested mountains of unique natural and cultural values. Unfortunately, fires often break out in that area, and it’s very difficult to put them out. There are almost no local roads, very steep slopes are covered with forests, and people are not enough aware of the danger of setting these forests on fire. But the main problem is lack of adequate organization and coordination of action when the fire breaks out. That is why some local volunteers decided to set up a fire brigade. They were inspired by the Polish Voluntary Fire Brigades.
Thanks to their cooperation with International Solidarity Foundation, the group of volunteers had had an initial training in Georgia. And the next stage was a study tour of 12 Georgian volunteers, representatives of local government and the Georgian State Agency for Crisis Management to Poland. The objective of that tour, which took place on November 17-23, 2019, was to learn how the Polish VFB operate. The history of the oldest Polish VBF goes back to 1850’s. Today they are a very efficient element of the country security system guaranteeing quick and professional actions in the case of emergency, a natural disaster or the fire. They are also active in culture, children and adult education, and as a permanent institution in thousands of Polish towns and villages they play active role in local galas and celebrations.
During their week-long tour to Poland the participants visited the VBF in Nałęczów, the Security Office of the Capital City of Warsaw, the Fire Brigade Museum, the Voluntary Fire Brigade Headquarters, Żabia Wola commune and the VBF at Skuły, where they could see a training session and operation of the local Youth Fire Brigade, Kampinos National Park and its security system, and one of the best Polish VFB in Ożarów Mazowiecki, where they could learn about firemen training system, response standards, and work with the youngest firemen – members of the Youth Fire Brigade.
Members of the Voluntary Fire Brigades in Poland are not only responsible for security but they are also active in local community lives. Therefore VFB units enjoy huge capital of social trust. The guests from Georgia had an opportunity to learn about the Polish VFB experience and are planning to use that knowledge in Georgia.
The visit of volunteers from Georgia was managed by the Leaders of Change Foundation in cooperation with International Solidarity Foundation, and co-founded by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs under its Development Cooperation Program.
