Plan to transfer Fire Services from Interior Ministry stepped up

Public Security Ministry officials drawing up plans to create renewed fire services layout under ministry's command following Carmel fire disaster. Issue discussed by Yitzhak Aharonovitch, Eli Yishai several weeks ago, Ynet learned

Eli Senyor|Published: 12.06.10 , 19:43

After the Carmel fire disaster and before the state comptroller report the government is stepping up plans to transfer the firefighting portfolio from the Interior Ministry to the Public Security Ministry.

The plan was first discussed several weeks ago and is getting into motion, Ynet learned. Professional elements estimated that the government will also allot the new fire services layout with NIS 1 billion ($280 million).

Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch and Interior Minister Eli Yishai discussed the issue several weeks ago and decided that Public Security Ministry teams will draw up plans organizing the transfer. Calls to transfer the Fire and Rescue Services from the Interior Ministry have exacerbated in the last few days following the Carmel fire disaster.

Professional teams from the Public Security Ministry began drawing up plans even prior to the Carmel wildfire which has prompted a speedier procedure. The plan is scheduled to be submitted in the coming days.

The Internal security minister's office refused to comment on the report and said that the minister is currently focused on the victims' families. "Any decision on the matter will be made jointly on the national level and under the responsibility of all relevant parties."

Attila Somfalvi contributed to this report