Over 150 volunteer firefighters and rescuers from across the Republic of Moldova gathered on Saturday, 18 October, 2025, for the fourth edition of the Volunteer Firefighters Festival, held in Gura Bîcului village, Anenii Noi district.
The event celebrated the heroes who risk their lives for the safety of their communities – a thrilling and energic day filled with educational activities, spectacular competitions, an exhibition of rescue equipment, local product fairs, children’s entertainment areas and a festive atmosphere full of joy.
During the festival, volunteer firefighter teams demonstrated their speed, coordination, and teamwork in two dynamic competitions: “Fire Truck Intervention Drill,” which tested their coordination, and the “Obstacle Course,” an individual challenge of strength and endurance.
“In recent years, the way we perceive volunteering has changed. It is no longer just an act of goodwill, but a mature form of social participation — an expression of solidarity and life education. Volunteering means initiative, teamwork, and a sincere desire to contribute to the common good. These activities shape young people, teaching them to act with determination and to trust their own abilities,” said Daniella Misail-Nichitin, Minister of Internal Affairs.
The event was organized by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Gura Bîcului Village Hall, within the framework of the “EU4Moldova Resilience: Secure State, Resilient Communities” project, funded by the European Union.
“When disaster strikes, every minute counts — and it’s often the volunteer firefighters who arrive first. They are neighbours helping neighbours, citizens protecting their communities, people standing together when it matters most. Volunteer firefighters are the heartbeat of resilience. That’s why the European Union invests in developing the volunteer firefighting network and strengthening the bond between citizens and civil protection institutions. Through this project, the EU invests in the safety of Moldovan citizens and in building stronger, more resilient local emergency response capacities,” highlighted Iwona Piórko, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.
The festival was also a celebration for the entire community. Visitors explored local craft and artisan stands, while children enjoyed a dedicated area with educational activities, workshops for crafting paper fire trucks, an intervention equipment exhibition, a virtual reality experience, and a lively artistic program filled with music and good cheer.
The event also brought together representatives of the State Fire Service of Poland, who shared experiences on training, risk management, and community engagement in prevention activities.
“Solidarity and civic spirit are the values that define volunteer firefighters – both in Poland and in the Republic of Moldova. This festival, organized for the fourth consecutive year by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, proves that through international cooperation and continuous investment, we can build safer and more united communities,” stated Tomasz Kobzdej, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Republic of Moldova.
Currently, around 25 volunteer firefighter and rescue stations are operational in the Republic of Moldova, engaging over 300 active volunteers. To achieve an average response time comparable to EU standards – under 15 minutes – the network must expand to at least 114 active stations in rural areas.
The “EU4Moldova Resilience: Secure State, Resilient Communities” project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, includes the construction of 10 new volunteer firefighter and rescue posts, the renovation of another 10, and the equipment of 35 units with modern tools and gear. The total value of investments amounts to 44 million MDL, provided by the European Union.