The Länsi-Uusimaa Rescue Department receives support and assistance from more than 40 contract fire brigades. The contract fire brigades take care of rescue operations within the framework of the agreement they have concluded.
In the Western Uusimaa region, there are volunteers working for more than 40 contract fire brigades (VPK) as well as part-time personnel in Tenhola and Hanko. Approximately 1,000 people work for the contract fire brigades. They contribute to rescue operations and public safety communication (e.g. advice, training, public events).
The Länsi-Uusimaa Rescue Department works in close cooperation with the Voluntary Rescue Service (VAPEPA). Cooperation meetings are held four times a year. The Finnish Red Cross serves as the contact organisation and coordinates the activities of Vapepa with regard to general rescue service operations.
The most common situations in which authorities turn to Vapepa are missing person searches, but operations can involve anything from providing emotional support to victims, directing traffic and helping with evacuations.
Suomen Meripelastusseura (Finnish maritime rescue association) coordinates voluntary maritime rescue activities. There are four maritime rescue associations operating in the area of the Länsi-Uusimaa Rescue Department.
A total of 13 contract fire brigades operate in Vihti, Karkkila, Nummi-Pusula, Karjalohja and Siuntio. One of them is the industrial fire brigade of the Kirkniemi paper mill in Lohja (Sappi Finland).
