TIRANA, June 10 /ATA/ Minister of Interior Ervin Hoxha called for prevention measures, rapid and efficient intervention in cases of fires, but also for the identification and punishment of any perpetrator of intentional arson.
During the meeting with 61 leaders of the Fire Service in the country, Minister Hoxha stated that, “The data from recent years show us that in many cases, fires are directly caused by the careless or intentionally harmful activity of people themselves”.
Attending the meeting were Prefect of Tirana, leaders of the National Civil Protection Agency and other emergency officials, etc.
Speaking about the problems of intentional arson, the minister stated that every case should be investigated and anyone who, intentionally or negligently, causes a fire must be prosecuted.
“No case should and will not remain unaccountable. Fire is not just a natural phenomenon, it is often a criminal act,” Hoxha said.
Regarding measures to deal with problems during the summer season, the minister emphasized cooperation between the relevant structures.
“Faced with the challenges of fires, we need more than reaction. We need prevention. Therefore, it is necessary to have close cooperation with all relevant local emergency structures, with administrative units, with the elders, with civil society and the citizens themselves,” Hoxha said.
“The Ministry of Interior will provide all institutional support to provide you with the necessary tools, information and support. New means will be provided through the state budget, municipal funds or donors. And I would like to express my gratitude to the donors for their valuable contribution”, said Hoxha.
Regarding inter-institutional cooperation, the minister emphasized that, “We are working closely with the National Civil Protection Agency and the Ministry of Defense, to increase our national capacities in the fight against fires”.
The minister concluded by requesting the commitment of the fire service structures, with the aim of prevention before intervention.
“Let us cooperate closely because only united can we be effective in protecting the environment, life and property of citizens”, said Hoxha. /m.m/a.f/p.s./
