Live: Press Conference of Emergency Situations Minister Felix Tsolakyan Begins

The employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations will be the first to hear that efforts are underway to provide firefighters with housing options that are more affordable or with compensation. This was stated by Emergency Situations Minister Felix Tsolakyan during a press conference today, summarizing his first year in office.

Tsolakyan addressed the issue of increasing firefighters' salaries, noting that in developed countries, the work of a rescuer is the most honorable profession. Since the work is dangerous, it is also well-compensated. According to the minister, the situation in Armenia is the opposite. Firefighters are appreciated in words, but this is not reflected financially as it should be. He pointed out that although the firefighters' salaries have been increased by 50%, it is still insufficient.

The minister mentioned the shortcomings within the Ministry of Emergency Situations, stating that the Anjigyar fire has no place in the system. A process will take place to remove such workers. There is a saying that one can manage a state job, but it is not possible to manage among 2-3 people. Such employees will be removed from the system.

Felix Tsolakyan highlighted the number of fires over the past two years, adding that in contrast to last year with 5,487 fires recorded, this year there have been 8,509 incidents of fire registered by October 1. This year, over 3,000 more fires have been reported compared to the previous year.