Volunteer Firefighters Festival 2025: Solidarity for Safer Communities
Over 150 volunteer firefighters and rescuers from across the country gathered on Saturday, October 18, 2025, for the fourth edition of the Volunteer Firefighters Festival in Gura Bîcului village, Anenii Noi district. The event was dedicated to the heroes who risk their lives for the safety of their communities — a day full of emotion and energy, featuring educational activities, thrilling competitions, an emergency response equipment exhibition, local product fairs, children’s entertainment, and plenty of good cheer.
During the festival, volunteer firefighting teams demonstrated their speed and teamwork in two exciting challenges: “Deployment from the Fire Truck,” which tested their coordination, and “Obstacle Course,” an individual trial of strength and endurance.
“In recent years, our understanding of volunteering has evolved. It’s no longer just an act of goodwill, but a mature form of civic participation — an expression of solidarity and a way of learning life skills. Volunteering means initiative, teamwork, and a sincere desire to contribute to the common good. These activities shape young people, teaching them to act decisively and believe in their own strength,”
said Minister of Internal Affairs Daniella Misail-Nichitin.
The event was organized by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and Gura Bîcului Municipality, within the EU-funded project “EU4Resilient Moldova: Safe State, Strong Communities.”
“When disaster strikes, every minute counts — and volunteer firefighters are often the first to arrive. They are neighbors helping neighbors, citizens protecting their communities, people standing together when it matters most. Volunteer firefighters are the heart of resilience. That’s why the European Union invests in developing the volunteer firefighter 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 local capacity to respond to emergencies,” highlighted Iwona Piórko, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova.
The festival was also a celebration for the entire community. Visitors discovered stands with local products and handicrafts, while children enjoyed a special area with educational activities — workshops for making cardboard fire trucks, equipment exhibitions, virtual reality games, and a cheerful artistic program with music and fun.
Representatives from the State Fire Service of Poland also attended the event, sharing experiences in training, risk management, and community involvement in prevention efforts.
“Solidarity and civic spirit are the values that define volunteer firefighters — both in Poland and in Moldova. This festival, organized for the fourth consecutive year by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, shows that through international cooperation and sustained investment, we can build safer and more united communities,” said Tomasz Kobzdej, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Moldova.
Currently, there are 25 volunteer firefighter and rescuer stations active in the Republic of Moldova, with over 300 volunteers involved. To reach an average intervention time comparable to EU standards — under 15 minutes — the network needs to expand to at least 114 active rural stations.
The “EU4Resilient Moldova: Safe State, Strong Communities” project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, includes the construction of 10 new volunteer firefighter stations, renovation of 10 others, and equipment of 35 units with modern tools. The total investment amounts to 44 million lei, provided by the European Union.
