Rescue service system

Based on a Government decision, Finland is divided into 22 rescue service regions. The functions of regional rescue services are performed in cooperation between the municipalities of the region, as laid down by law


  1. Helsinki
  2. Länsi-Uusimaa
  3. Keski-Uusimaa
  4. Itä-Uusimaa
  5. Varsinais-Suomi
  6. Kanta-Häme
  7. Päijät-Häme
  8. Kymeenlaakso
  9. South Karelia
  10. Etelä-Savo
  11. Central Finland
  12. Pirkanmaa
  13. Satakunta
  14. South Ostrobothnia
  15. Ostrobothnia
  16. Central Ostrobothnia
  17. Pohjois-Savo
  18. North Karelia
  19. Jokilaaksot
  20. Kainuu
  21. Oulu-Koillismaa
  22. Lapland

Within a rescue service region, there is a rescue department with full-time and part-time personnel. Voluntary, industrial, and institutional fire brigades participate in the provision of rescue services as agreed between the brigades and the rescue service region. In total, regional rescue services have approximately 5,000 full-time employees and approximately 14,300 part-time employees and voluntary fire brigade members. There are 635 voluntary fire brigades and 153 industrial fire brigades in Finland.

The full-time rescue service personnel are in charge of the rescue-service-related duties of the authorities, such as fire inspections and civil defence plans. Contract fire brigades’ duties are determined in accordance with local needs. Fire brigades can carry out all duties conventionally handled by fire brigades or specialise in certain areas on the basis of the risks and special characteristics of the region.

Regional rescue services are responsible for:


Page modified: 27.6.2006