ORGANIZING VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS IN LITHUANIA: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

This article examines the role of Lithuanian volunteer firefighters in ensuring public safety and the possibilities of organizing their activities. The aim of the study is to analyze the possibilities of using volunteer firefighters and to provide recommendations on how to organize their activities more effectively in Lithuania, taking into account economic, social and operational efficiency aspects. Important challenges related to the inclusion of volunteer firefighters in the fire and rescue system are presented, such as fragmentation of fire and rescue services management, insufficient motivation and inadequate financial support. The article examines the most important factors that can improve the integration of volunteer firefighters – the creation of a clear legal framework, the balance of centralized and decentralized management, strengthening the volunteer motivation system, optimizing team deployment and implementing inter-institutional cooperation mechanisms. The study findings show that with the correct implementation of these measures, it is possible not only to increase the number of volunteer firefighters, but also to improve the efficiency of the fire and rescue system and public safety.