New 24/7 Fire Station Opens in Russia's Kuban Region to Boost Coastal Safety

A new fire and rescue station has opened in the village of Betta, near Gelendzhik, in Russia's Kuban region. Aleksandr Kurenkov, head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and Governor Veniamin Kondratiev officially inaugurated the facility. The station aims to strengthen emergency response along the busy coastal area.

The station will cover Betta and five surrounding settlements, serving over 7,000 residents. It operates around the clock with a team of 50 trained firefighters and rescuers. Equipment includes three fire engines and a motor ladder designed for high-rise rescues and firefighting.

Kurenkov highlighted the station's importance due to growing pressure on coastal infrastructure during peak tourist seasons. His visit to the Kuban region also included a meeting at Sochi's city administration and a stop at a training centre in Divnomorskoe. The new facility is part of broader efforts to improve emergency infrastructure in the Kuban region. Over the past five years, 12 fire and rescue stations have been built, particularly in Krasnodar, Sochi, and Anapa. These upgrades followed devastating fires in 2021 that exposed gaps in the region's preparedness.

The Betta station is now fully operational, providing 24/7 emergency coverage for local communities. Its opening reflects ongoing efforts to modernise fire and rescue services in the Kuban region. Officials expect the facility to reduce response times and enhance safety during high-tourist periods.