Distinguished themselves in extinguishing the fire at the Vitebsk shopping centre. 34 rescuers received awards from the Ministry of Emergency Situations
In Orsha, a ceremony was held to award the rescuers of the Vitebsk region who distinguished themselves in extinguishing a fire at a shopping center in Vitebsk on December 13, 2024. This was reported to the BELTA correspondent by the press service of the regional Ministry of Emergency Situations.
The fire in the shopping center became one of the largest in the republic in the last five years. A total of 23 units of high-rise and specialized firefighting equipment and 99 Ministry of Emergency Situations employees were deployed to combat the fire. Four operational sections were created at the emergency site for searching and rescuing people while simultaneously directing hoses to extinguish the fire, and 14 teams of the gas and smoke protection service were working. The area of the fire was 2,000 square meters. Rescuers saved 10 people from the burning building.
"In accordance with the order of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Belarus for skillful leadership of the actions of emergency response agencies and units to protect the life and health of people, the territory of the Republic of Belarus from natural and man-made emergencies, courage and selflessness shown in the performance of official duties, 34 rescuers have been awarded," the press service emphasized.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations employees received badges and certificates. Congratulating the rescuers, the head of the regional Ministry of Emergency Situations, Sergey Meleshkin, noted that 13 officers and 21 privates were awarded high honors. "The Ministry of Emergency Situations units in the Vitebsk region are ready to perform any tasks to protect the population of Belarus and its territory from emergencies," he emphasized.
Also, for exemplary performance of official duties, another 17 rescuers from Vitebsk region were awarded today with the medal "For Impeccable Service" of the III degree.
"To ensure the rapid elimination of emerging emergencies, rescuers train their skills and capabilities daily. In 2024, the emergency response units of the Vitebsk region conducted 130 tactical-special exercises to practice and acquire skills in eliminating emergencies," said the official representative of the regional Ministry of Emergency Situations, Sofia Glinskaya.