Today in Bishkek, emergency response services are facing serious obstacles caused by human indifference and chaotic construction. At a press briefing held at the Sputnik center, First Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations Azamat Mambetov presented alarming data on the increase in fire-related casualties in Kyrgyzstan recorded in 2025. The main reason for this is the congestion in yards and narrow passages filled with cars.
According to Mamatov, fire trucks cannot quickly reach the sites of fires. Drivers are afraid of damaging improperly parked vehicles, and sometimes access to the scene is simply impossible due to dense construction.
The situation appears paradoxical, as the Ministry of Emergency Situations is currently undergoing active modernization. Since 2020, the agency has acquired about 670 units of equipment worth over 3 billion soms. This includes around 200 modern fire trucks that can carry up to 6 tons of water. In the coming months, more than 120 engineering vehicles are expected to arrive, and negotiations are underway to purchase two cargo-passenger helicopters from South Korea, adding to the three already in service.
The Deputy Minister noted that the Ministry of Emergency Situations is preparing for international certification under the auspices of the UN, which plans to certify two search and rescue teams located in the north and south of the country. Additionally, the agency plans to build 20 new fire and rescue stations across the republic, which will significantly speed up response times to calls.
However, according to Azamat Mambetov, even the most modern equipment and highly qualified specialists will not be able to cope with the situation if society does not recognize its responsibility. He urged both business leaders and citizens to pay attention to fire safety measures, adhere to building codes, and insure their homes. As long as access to homes remains blocked by private vehicles, the risk of new tragedies will remain high, despite the government's efforts to update the service.
