Päästeamet

Päästeamet, or the Estonian Rescue Board, is a government agency in Estonia responsible for fire safety, rescue services, and civil protection. It operates under the Ministry of the Interior as the national authority for fire prevention, firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency management. The agency coordinates nationwide activities to prevent disasters, respond to emergencies, and protect lives and property.

Its core functions include preventing and fighting fires, conducting fire safety inspections, issuing permits, and enforcing safety regulations in buildings and industrial facilities. It plans and coordinates search and rescue operations on land, in inland waters, and at sea, and it runs the emergency response system Häirekeskus, which handles 112 calls and dispatches appropriate responders, such as firefighters, paramedics, and rescue crews.

The Estonian Rescue Board maintains operational units and capabilities for urban and water rescue, disaster response, and aviation support where needed. It provides training, public safety information, and preventive programs for residents and businesses, and it supports local authorities in emergency planning and incident management.

The agency works in cooperation with other state authorities, local governments, medical and health services, and international partners in Europe and Nordic countries to enhance cross-border disaster response and safety standards. It also engages in international rescue cooperation and exchange of best practices.