Agreement Reached to Complete the Legislation Process of the National Fire Authority

Published on: July 17, 2012

Minister of Internal Security, Yitzhak Aharonovitch was pleased with the successful result of his ministry’s efforts to launch an intensive reform of Israel’s firefighting system. Prime Minister, Minister Dichter, Minister of Finance and Chair of the Interior yesteday signed  a multi-year agreement to reform the firefighting system.   According to the agreement,  over a billion shekels will be allocated to the National Fire Authority over five years. This agreement will make possible broader recruitment, the procurement of new equipment and vehicles and the making organizational changes.

Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch noted,  “This step is important.  This reform will change the firefighting system in Israel within a relatively short period.  I congratulate everyone who has worked for this and thank the Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Chair of the Interior for your cooperation. “

The long-term plan, prepared by the Department of Internal Security, will include a number of changes:  changing the structure of the fire-fighting organization and establishment of a National Authority, recruiting over 1000 new firefighters, the establishment of 42 fire departments, the addition of 220 new vehicles, establishing a significant volunteer force, which will support and assist the professional firefighters , and the extensive procurement of personal and unit equipment and the completion of an air squadron off.

The Carmel Disaster, which claimed lives of 44 firefighters and police guards, led the Israeli government decision to transfer firefighting system to the Ministry of Internal Security.  The proposed reforms will go a long way to preventing another fire-related disaster.