In Kherson, heads of OSBBs and heads of residential quarters from "red zones" attended a fire safety training session

On July 17, a fire safety training session was held in Kherson for heads of OSBBs and heads of residential quarters from "red zones". More than 30 participants took part in the training.

The event was held as part of the project "Reducing risks to the life and health of the population by strengthening the capacity for emergency response in front-line communities of the Kherson region," which is being implemented by the Kherson Regional Charitable Foundation “Union” in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC). Previously, a training session on drone and mine safety had been held for this group in Kherson; at that time, 34 heads of homeowners’ associations and neighborhood representatives participated.

In Kherson, fire safety is of particular importance. In a city that comes under daily attack from artillery, drones, and other weapons, a fire can break out suddenly in an apartment, a building entrance, a private home, a yard, an outbuilding, or in an open area. Due to repeated shelling, drone activity, and road hazards, emergency services cannot always reach the scene quickly. Therefore, the first few minutes after a fire breaks out are often critical.

The heads of OSBBs and residential quarters remain among the closest points of contact for residents in the red zones. They know who is still living in the buildings and neighborhoods, who might need help, how to quickly alert neighbors, and to whom to relay critical information during an emergency.

During the training session, led by experts from the Educational and Methodological Center for Civil Defense and Life Safety of the Kherson region, participants learned how to respond to a fire following shelling, how to make the most of the first few minutes, how to assess their own risks, and when it is safe to attempt to extinguish a fire on their own. Separate discussions covered the rules for using a fire extinguisher, the dangers of smoke, fires in apartment buildings, and fires involving electrical appliances, gas equipment, dry grass, and utility rooms.

The key focus of the training is that human safety must always be the top priority. If a fire is spreading rapidly, there is heavy smoke, a threat of renewed shelling, or a risk of explosion, you must not put yourself in danger; instead, warn others, move to a safe place, and call the appropriate emergency services.

This is the second training module for heads of OSBBs and residential quarters in Kherson. The course consists of three parts: drone and mine safety, fire safety, and first aid. After completing the full course, participants will receive safety kits to distribute to residents of their buildings and neighborhoods.

Despite the challenging security situation, charitable organizations and humanitarian partners continue to work alongside residents, strengthening their preparedness for emergencies and helping communities maintain resilience.

The project is implemented by the Kherson Regional Charitable Foundation “Union” in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) within the Kherson Consortium for Territorial Resource Allocation (ABA), which DRC implements together with Acted and Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) with the support of the Humanitarian Fund for Ukraine (UHF).