A Study on the Capacity Enhancement of the Utilized Fire Brigade through the Analysis of Overseas Cases: Focused on the U.S., Japan, Germany, Swiss Utilitarian Fire Brigade
Authors:   National Crisis & Emergency Management Research Institute in Chungbuk National University, Byun Sung Soo , Yang Gi Geun 
Published: July 2023

Looking at the environment of recent disasters, wide-area disasters that are difficult to respond to by one fire station frequently occur. In disaster management, it is urgent to establish an orderly command system and convert firefighters to national positions for disaster management by the government trusted by the people. Discussions on redefining the role of volunteer fire brigade are active at a time when public opinion is prevailing that a unified command system capable of responding quickly and accurately to disasters should be established by strengthening the firefighting organization, which is the responsibility of the head of a metropolitan government, as a national organization. it is progressing
Considering these disaster environments and national firefighting policies, it is necessary to seek ways to strengthen the capacity of volunteer firefighters according to the transition of firefighters to national positions. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to analyze the operational problems of the volunteer fire brigade, which is limited to auxiliary roles other than fire suppression, and to investigate and consider advanced activities at home and abroad, to establish a practical way to redefine the role as a safety keeper contributing to the improvement of community resilience. I am working on an alternative.
In order to redefine the role of the volunteer fire brigade, based on the results of overseas cases and statistical analysis, this study's policy suggestions for organizational operation, financial operation, activity matters, and education and training are as follows. First, it is necessary to convert into various volunteer fire departments that meet regional needs, such as serving as volunteers of private resources for local residents or regional disaster safety managers. Second, when budgeting a volunteer fire brigade, the budget for operation according to the capacity of each volunteer fire brigade must be budgeted so that the expenses necessary for the basic activities of the local volunteer platoon can be executed. Third, dedicated personnel in charge of the volunteer fire brigade are in charge of tasks related to various fire and disaster prevention governance, such as cooperation with private fire organizations or other civic groups, and vitalize volunteer fire brigade activities through communication and cooperation between social groups. do. Fourth, it is necessary to spread safety culture in the local community and induce consensus formation by recruiting experts in each field such as machinery, chemistry, and heavy equipment that are appropriate for the situation by utilizing the regional characteristics of a volunteer fire brigade and differentiated from other organizations. In addition, education and training to strengthen the on-site response capability of existing volunteer firefighters should be strengthened.