Pelastuslaitos

Pelastuslaitos refers to the fire and rescue service in Finland, a local government authority responsible for organizing and delivering fire protection, rescue operations and related safety tasks within a municipality or region. Its core mission is to protect people, property and the environment from fires and other emergencies and to carry out rescues in incidents such as traffic accidents, water or ice rescues, hazardous materials incidents, and natural disasters. The service also handles preventive work, including fire safety inspections, risk assessments, safety education and advisory services to residents and businesses, and the development of preparedness plans.

Organization and governance: Pelastuslaitokset are typically established as municipal or regional authorities, funded by municipalities and state subsidies. They are led by a fire chief and staffed by professional firefighters, with many units also relying on volunteer or part-time personnel. In some regions, several municipalities form joint authorities to operate a shared pelastuslaitos.

Operations and cooperation: During incidents, the fire and rescue service is dispatched via the national Emergency Response Centre (Hätäkeskuslaitos), coordinating with police, ambulance services and other authorities as needed. A pelastuslaitos maintains equipment such as fire engines, ladders, rescue tools and protective gear, and regularly conducts training and exercises to maintain readiness.

Notes: The term is used specifically in Finland to describe the local fire and rescue organization. Pelastuslaitos should not be confused with emergency medical or police services, which are separate authorities within Finland’s broader emergency response system.