UNDP and Government of Poland Strengthen Albania’s Fire Protection and Rescue Service with New Fire Station in Pogradec

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Poland and the Ministry of Interior of Albania and the Municipality of Pogradec, inaugurated a new fire station in Pogradec Municipality. The facility marks a major milestone in the Project “Strengthening Capacities of Albanian Fire Protection and Rescue Service”, which aims to modernize and strengthen Albania’s Fire Protection and Rescue Service. The project is funded by the Government of Poland and implemented by UNDP. 

The new Pogradec fire station replaces an outdated facility and now provides modern infrastructure including three fire truck bays parking posts instead of bays, administrative and coordination offices, dormitory and kitchen facilities, a gym, storage areas, and a truck service post-all made possible thanks to the project. These improvements significantly enhance the working conditions and response capacity of municipal firefighters, ensuring better protection for communities, economic assets, and natural resources. The municipality of Pogradec has contributed financially to this fire station.

UNDP Resident Representative present at the event noted: “This project represents a comprehensive package of support for Albania’s municipal fire protection services. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Government of Poland for their generous support, and to the Albanian government and municipal authorities for their collaboration. Together, we have strengthened the resilience of communities and improved the safety of firefighters who serve with courage and selflessness. While the project has advanced Albania’s firefighting capacities, UNDP and partners recognize that further modernization and investment are needed”.

Mr. Romowicz, Member of Parliament of the Republic of Poland, emphasized: “Poland was among the first international partners to respond to Albania’s call for support after the 2019 earthquake. This partnership has delivered concrete results in disaster preparedness and resilience.”

The project, launched in December 2020 in response to the devastating November 2019 earthquake, was designed to strengthen firefighting operational capacities and infrastructure identified in the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment. With a total budget of €2.7 million provided by the Government of Poland, the project has delivered tangible improvements to frontline emergency services across ten priority municipalities.

Project Achievements

• Infrastructure Development: Construction of two modern fire stations in Fier which was completed in 2024 and Pogradec
• Equipment Provision: Delivery of 169 sets of Polish-made Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), three Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) containers, and three fire trucks to municipalities including of Fier, Lezha, and Pogradec.
• Capacity Building: Standardized training modules developed and delivered to over 377 firefighters from 26 municipalities, enhancing professional skills and operational readiness nationwide.