Latest news

Baltic Sea countries and Nordic countries work together to strengthen civil preparedness

Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany have agreed to deepen their cooperation on protecting the civilian population and have signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the ministries responsible for civil preparedness.
Press release Ministry of the Interior Rescue services, 6.3.2026 9:11
Oil spill response personnel working in a port area with large cable reels and response equipment by the sea.

Finland delivers oil spill response equipment to Ukraine

Finland has provided Ukraine with an extensive package of equipment for combating oil spills. The package included donations compiled by the Finnish Border Guard and rescue departments, and materials procured by the Ministry of the Interior. A total of 35 truckloads of oil spill response equipment were delivered to Ukraine.
Press release Finnish Border GuardMinistry of the Interior Rescue services, 5.3.2026 9:46
Three rescue professionals dressed in different work and service uniforms

Application for the Bachelor of Rescue Services Degree Programme

The application period for the Bachelor of Rescue Services Degree Programme starting in August 2026 is from 23 February to 27 March (The education is in Finnish).
Press release Rescue services, 24.2.2026 12:09

Further development of 112 Suomi app to draw on lessons from Ukraine

The Ministry of the Interior has launched a project to develop a new feature for the Emergency Response Centre Agency’s 112 Suomi app to warn of airborne threats. The project will be carried out with EU funding, and other EU Member States can also benefit from the results of Finland’s development work.
Press release Ministry of the Interior Rescue services, 13.2.2026 13:35

Latest news from Rescue Departmens

Row of helmets for rescuers.

Sanna Aivio appointed Principal of Helsinki Rescue School

At its meeting on 18 June 2024, the Helsinki Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services Committee appointed Sanna Aivio, Master of Social Services and Health Care, as Principal of the Helsinki Rescue School.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 19.6.2024 13:50
Firefighters in a burnt forest.

Summer delicacies safely from the grill

As summer begins, barbecuing and the use of fire are always a topic of much discussion. Where are you allowed to barbecue, what does ‘open fire’ mean exactly, and what about wildfire warnings?
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 5.6.2024 12:56
A woman and a man in front of a fire unit.

Rescue Department issues award to two persons who rescued a man from icy water

On Good Friday 29 March at around 11 am Jan Strandholm and Johanna Suhonen were walking along a path in the northern part of Kulosaari when they spotted a person in a hole in the ice off the shore. They could not hear any calls for help.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 1.5.2024 6:34
Four men walking in a civil defence shelter

Helsinki to invest millions in repairing civil defence shelters

Renovation of Niemenmäki civil defence shelter completed in March, more shelters to be renovated.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 18.4.2024 14:58
Rescuers wearing protective overalls

Rescue Department receiving over 400 000 euros EU funding for CBRNE capabilities

The Ministry of the Interior has granted EU funding from the Internal Security Fund (ISF) to the Helsinki City Rescue Department for equipment acquisitions to strengthen the department’s preparedness for demanding CBRNE incidents involving chemical substances, biological pathogens, radioactive substances, nuclear weapons or explosives.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 28.3.2024 9:44
Firefighter paramedics Suvi and Saku in the equipment hall

Surprise and community spirit are the best thing about being a rescuer

Saku Kaipainen and Suvi Johansson have extensive experience: both have worked for the Helsinki City Rescue Department as firefighters and paramedics, Saku for almost 25 years and Suvi for approximately seven years.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 22.3.2024 12:59

Using the Emergency Number Correctly

The 112 day is observed every year on 11 February. The purpose of this day is to heighten public awareness about safety-related issues. This year’s focus was on the correct use of the emergency number, with a particular emphasis on educating children and young people.
Press release Länsi-Uusimaa Rescue services, 20.2.2024 17:37
A scenery from southern Helsinki. The tower of Erottaja rescue station is located in front of the picture.

Have a safe 112 day!

On 11 February, we celebrate 112 Day, a day dedicated to the emergency number 112. The purpose of 112 Day is to raise people’s awareness of what everyday safety is and how it can be promoted. In 2024, the theme of 112 Day is ‘How to use the emergency number correctly’.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 9.2.2024 12:00
A fire truck in front of the rescue station in winter

Can a fire engine or ambulance get to you in an emergency?

Keeping the emergency access roads clear of snow is an important part of the property’s responsibilities and safety.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 19.1.2024 11:22
A firefighter extinguishes a car fire.

Ban on the use of fireworks in the City of Helsinki area

The use of fireworks is banned in Helsinki between New Year's Eve and Day at 18.00-02.00 in the certain areas.
Press release Helsinki Rescue services, 27.12.2023 8:52