The PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky met with Acting Minister of Internal Affairs Andrei Barabash. The President was interested in the fire situation and citizen safety during the swimming season.
Andrei Barabash reported that fire department units responded to 518 fires in the first half of the year, a 43% decrease compared to the same period last year. Of these, 18 people died (compared to 15 in the previous year). The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs noted that smoking in bed remains the leading cause of death.
Andrei Barabash paid special attention to fires in agricultural fields, which traditionally increase during hot periods and the harvest season. He stated that militia officers are conducting preventative raids and reminding farmers of fire safety rules.
Acting Minister of Internal Affairs reported that State Fire Supervision officers have inspected 85 catering and leisure establishments for compliance with fire safety regulations at the President's direction since the beginning of the year. Violations were identified at 63 establishments, and deadlines have been set for them to correct the deficiencies.
Vadim Krasnoselsky emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring of compliance with fire safety regulations at facilities with large numbers of people.
Furthermore, the President recommended strengthening cooperation with farmers and considering the possibility of establishing observation posts with the involvement of volunteer patrols to prevent and promptly contain agricultural fires. Vadim Krasnoselsky noted the importance of strengthening the information campaign about the risks of smoking in bed. According to the President, special attention should be paid to explaining the tragic consequences of such incidents. The President emphasized the importance of regularly conducting evacuation and fire drills, especially at children's institutions.
Andrei Barabash reported on measures to ensure public safety during the swimming season. The minister reported that two-week training sessions for 68 lifeguards were held at the Tiraspol Law Institute in May. They began patrolling the republic's official beaches on June 1. The seabed and shorelines of all official recreation areas were also surveyed before the start of the season. A total of eight beaches in eight cities are open in Pridnestrovie. Lifeguards patrol both traditional and unauthorized swimming areas, providing additional information to vacationers.
Educational institutions across the republic held informational sessions on water safety, attended by over 12000 students before the summer holidays. Safety materials for the swimming season were distributed through the media.
Four people have drowned since the start of the swimming season in the republic, despite ongoing efforts, reported Andrei Barabash. All tragic incidents occurred in areas not designated for swimming: two in Tiraspol, one in Slobodzeya district, and one in Bendery. However, three lives were saved at official beaches where lifeguards are on duty.
Vadim Krasnoselsky emphasized the need for further preventative water safety measures. The President noted that, the number of tragic accidents on the Dniester has been significantly reduced thanks to the work of rescue units, but each death remains a great tragedy.
The President urged citizens to exercise caution when relaxing near the water and be mindful of the Dniester River's unique features: strong currents, whirlpools, and changing bottom topography. The President emphasized that rescue services continue to perform important work, but the safety of citizens largely depends on their own responsible behavior.
"No matter how hard the militia and rescuers work, no matter how much preventative measures they take, a person's life is ultimately in their own hands. There's no need to take risks without reason," Vadim Krasnoselsky noted.
The President instructed that informational outreach efforts continue with the public and that the media be used to disseminate rescuers' recommendations on safety precautions on the water and what to do in dangerous situations.
