The German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) by order of the German government from Friday will start handing special equipment worth 230,000 euros over to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine for the localization of wildfires around the formerly Soviet Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), the Embassy of Germany in Ukraine has said.
“We are glad to hear that the firefighting operations are successful due to major engagement of detachments of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. With the aim of supporting and protecting the brave firefighters in their fight, we responded rapidly and, by agreement with the State Emergency Service, purchased radiation dosimeters, fire hoses and a fire engine,” the embassy’s press service cited Ambassador of Germany to Ukraine Anka Feldhusen on April 18.
In particular, the embassy purchased 80 radiation dosimeters and around 15 kilometers of fire hoses. In addition, it is working on the purchase of a fire extinguishing tank truck specially equipped for firefighting operations in forests.
The embassy recalled that the German government has been supporting the State Emergency Service and the Ukrainian Red Cross Society since 2015. Since then it has provided 150 detachments of the State Emergency Service in 120 territorial communities with new equipment and training materials, including 2,000 respiratory systems, 5,500 full face masks, 4,100 personal protective suits, 240 kilometers of fire hoses, 50 water pumps, 60 tonnes of foaming fire extinguishing agents, 12 ambulance vehicles, 50 fire engines and 3,500 pairs of each gloves, boots and helmets for firefighters.
“The use of technical equipment and consultations significantly reduced risks of harm to health of operating teams. The number of victims of fires has dropped by 30% during the time of Germany’s assistance,” the embassy said.
The State Emergency Service of Ukraine also received from the German government protective masks and suits, as well as portable disinfecting devices worth 175,000 euros for fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak last week.
