Rescue and general damage protection
The fire services are in charge of rescue and general damage protection, including fire fighting and coping with basic damages. They fulfil other tasks, such as fuel, chemical and radiation protection. The cantons transfer certain tasks to special fire service units, which are specially trained and equipped to deal with them.
Cantonal responsibility
Issues relative to recruitment and personnel, organisation, equipment, training and financing are settled at cantonal level. The fire services see to it that they are adequately equipped to cope with their tasks. Cantonal property insurance and/or the cantons and municipalities cover the costs of requisite measures according to their competence.
Cooperation with the other CP partner organisations
The fire services are a primary intervention resource, with modular units. They can be deployed within minutes, for operations that may last hours or days. Neighbouring fire brigades and special units ensure support and replacement. Cooperation with the police and the first aid services is routine. Private companies (construction or sewer cleaning companies, for example) are called upon to perform special tasks. Resources of other partner organisations may be used for back-up.