Finland: Finland/Russia Mutual Assistance Agreement of 9 August 1994 (IFFN No. 13 – July 1995)
Finland/Russia Mutual AssistanceAgreement of 9 August 1994
(IFFN No. 13 – July 1995, p. 12)
An agreement signed between the Republic of Finland and the Russian Federation was considered necessary in view of increasing trade and tourism between the two countries.
This agreement concerns collaboration in the prevention of accidents, in information to the public and in reduction of the negative consequences in the case of emergencies. The agreement further includes procedures for bringing equipment and supplies across the border in case of a major accident. Soon after signing the agreement a fire started in a large wooden building in a Carelian town in September 1994. A Finnish Fire and Rescue Brigade (F&R) stationed nearby crossed the border to assist their Russian colleagues.
Exchange of Expertise: The practical implication of this Agreement is that the two countries will be exchanging expertise and assisting in investigations concerning the prevention and causes of accidents. Also joint research projects will be launched to further streamline legislation, procedures and equipment in case of large disasters. The Finnish counterpart is the F & R Department of the Ministry of the Interior.
Training: The Agreement further recommends the two countries to intensify the organization of joint training in various fields of F&R activities.
Between 10-13 October 1995 a course will be organized for chiefs and assistant chiefs from F&R Departments in the metropolitan area of Helsinki. The course topic is on forest fire control, and it will be organized at the Evo Forest College (140 km north of Helsinki).
These F&R Departments have formed a special emergency unit in the case of needs outside Finland. This Unit is called FINN-RESCUE-FORCES (FRF).
The participating countries are: Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Russia and Ukraine.
From: Tero Paasiluoto and Mike Jurvélius
Address:
Ministry of the Interior
Fire & Rescue Department
Kirkkokatu 12.
FIN – 00170 Helsinki
Fax: ++358-0-160 4672
Phone: ++358-0-160 2978
Suonotkontie 3.G.85
FIN – 00630 Helsinki
Fax: ++358-0-7544 250
Phone: ++358-0-745187
