Rostov NPP Transfers New Specialized Firefighting Vehicle to Fire Department

On August 17, local time, the Rostov Nuclear Power Plant handed over a new specialized firefighting vehicle to the 9th Special Department responsible for fire protection at the plant site. The vehicle was delivered as donated equipment to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 72nd Special Directorate of the Federal Fire Service of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry. This directorate is tasked with fire protection for Russian nuclear power plants.

The professional firefighting force at the Rostov NPP has been on duty at the plant site since June 1984. At that time, the fire brigade was equipped with only four fire engines. Over the years, the relevant firefighting force has been outfitted with modern vehicles, specialized equipment, and communications gear for fire protection and emergency response at nuclear power plant facilities.

Colonel of Internal Service Roman Lopatkin, head of the 9th Special Department, stated that the department has long been staffed by highly qualified personnel, with team members maintaining a high level of performance in training, equipment operation, and professional competitions. The addition of this new vehicle will further strengthen the department's material and technical base.

The Rostov NPP noted that on-site firefighting personnel must be familiar with potential emergency risks in their area of responsibility, understand the main production and technical parameters of protected facilities, process flow characteristics, as well as the technical performance of firefighting vehicles, extinguishing equipment, and communications gear, ensuring readiness for response at all times.

Andrey Salnikov, Director of the Rostov NPP, stated that the on-site fire brigade ensures the safety of plant operations through continuous training, preventive measures, and rapid response mechanisms.

Rosatom (Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation) prioritizes safety as a key operational objective. Its affiliated organizations continuously advance safety culture development, implement modern labor protection and injury prevention measures, and enhance firefighting and emergency response capabilities.

Currently, units of the 72nd Special Directorate of the Federal Fire Service of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry are responsible for fire protection at 11 nuclear power plants. These plants are affiliated with Rosenergoatom, which is an important component of Rosatom's power generation division. The directorate is currently equipped with modern firefighting and rescue vehicles and equipment, with personnel continuously improving their professional skills through drills and training.

The Rostov NPP is located on the shore of the Tsimlyansk Reservoir and is part of Rosatom's power generation division. The plant operates four VVER-1000 pressurized water reactor units, with each unit generating approximately 25 million kWh of electricity per day. Nuclear power accounts for more than 70% of the electricity generation structure in the Rostov Region and approximately 30% of the unified power system of Southern Russia.