The State Fire Service (PSP) has two of Europe’s most modern mobile laboratories at its disposal. PLN 24 million has been allocated for the purchase of highly specialised vehicles for detecting chemical, biological and radiological threats.

Presenting the new equipment to Polish firefighters, Interior Minister Mariusz Kamiński stressed that Europe’s most modern mobile laboratories will serve to improve security in Poland and neighbouring countries. The laboratories will be directed to their combat assignment in April, after personnel training has been completed.

“This equipment received by the State Fire Service will serve the safety of our citizens and also serve security in the region. We have interest from partner services, emergency services. Our fire service has been invited for the first exercises with the Lithuanian services, which will take place in April”, said Minister Kaminski.

The deputy head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, Maciej Wąsik, said during the presentation that the laboratories will be able to be used not only for all radiation threats that may occur beyond Poland’s eastern border, but also during the transport of radiation materials across our country. The equipment will also be able to be used to study all biological threats including pollution of lakes or rivers. 

“The two laboratories cost PLN 24 million. The chassis was made by a renowned automotive company, while the entire architecture of this laboratory is made by a Polish company in the Podkarpacie region. We are proud of that too”, said the deputy head of the Interior Ministry, Maciej Wąsik.

The head of the state fire service, Brigadier General Andrzej Bartkowiak, stressed that the laboratories will be staffed by thirty qualified officers from Warsaw and Poznań. Polish firefighters will also conduct training with the Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian and Finnish services.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński