National Fire and Rescue Bureau: By 2030, a fire and rescue force system with Chinese characteristics will be basically established
China's National Fire and Rescue Bureau announced plans to establish a comprehensive fire and rescue force system with Chinese characteristics by 2030, significantly enhancing disaster response capabilities.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash

During a press conference on the '15th Five-Year Plan,' the National Fire and Rescue Bureau outlined its strategic goals for fire and rescue work. The plan aims to modernize the national emergency management system, focusing on improving prevention, response, support, grassroots efforts, and technological innovation to curb major fire accidents and reduce fatalities.
Imagine China wants to be super good at putting out fires and helping people when bad things happen, like big floods or earthquakes. They've made a big plan to get much better by 2030, like building stronger fire stations, getting cooler rescue planes, and teaching more people how to be heroes. It's all about making sure everyone is safer and that help can arrive super fast, no matter what kind of trouble there is.
Analysis
The announcement by China's National Fire and Rescue Bureau marks a pivotal moment in the nation's approach to public safety and emergency management. The ambitious goal of establishing a comprehensive fire and rescue system by 2030 underscores a commitment to modernizing capabilities across all disaster types. This strategic vision is not merely about enhancing equipment but involves a holistic transformation of governance models, operational capacities, and foundational support systems.
2030
By the year 2030, China aims to have fundamentally completed the construction of a fire and rescue force system that is distinctly Chinese in its characteristics. This includes a substantial improvement in the practical ability to conduct comprehensive rescue operations across all types of disasters, from urban fires to forest blazes and specialized incidents. The overarching objective is to significantly elevate the national standard for fire prevention and control, ensuring that the grassroots infrastructure is robust and capable.
Crucially, the plan targets a marked reduction in fire-related fatalities and the comprehensive containment of major and extremely serious fire accidents. This long-term vision reflects a proactive stance on public safety, moving beyond reactive measures to embed prevention and preparedness deeply within the national emergency framework. The emphasis on a 'Chinese characteristic' system suggests an integration of national conditions, technological advancements, and organizational structures unique to China's governance model.
Song Shuxin
Song Shuxin, the spokesperson and deputy director of the National Fire and Rescue Bureau, detailed five key areas of work to achieve these ambitious goals. First, there will be a significant shift towards a pre-prevention model for fire safety governance, involving the revision of laws and regulations and the establishment of clearer responsibility systems. This includes implementing new mechanisms for integrated grassroots emergency response and fire safety governance, alongside innovative, precise, and efficient supervision models.
Second, the bureau plans to enhance its capabilities for comprehensive rescue in all types of disasters and major emergencies, focusing on urban and rural firefighting, forest and grassland fire suppression, special disaster rescue, and aviation rescue. This involves optimizing force deployment, building specialized teams, and deploying advanced domestically produced aircraft. Third, the comprehensive support system for fire extinguishing and rescue will be strengthened through the research and development of equipment for extreme scenarios and the establishment of a resilient, integrated communication network.
Fourth, the foundation of co-construction and co-governance for fire safety will be consolidated by developing volunteer forces, expanding professional ranks, and regulating technical service agencies. This also includes improving public fire facilities and promoting fire safety awareness. Finally, science, technology, and talent development will play a crucial supporting role, with plans for major research facilities, core technology breakthroughs, and the establishment of a high-quality talent training system to ensure sustained development.
Fifteenth Five-Year Plan
The 'Fifteenth Five-Year Plan' period is identified as a critical juncture for fire and rescue work, serving as a time to solidify existing foundations, refine operational mechanisms, elevate service quality, and foster comprehensive development. This strategic period is designed to lay the groundwork for a modernized national emergency management system, aligning fire safety initiatives with broader national development objectives. The plan's focus on 'all-domain coverage' and 'resilient and anti-destructive' systems reflects a forward-thinking approach to national security and public welfare.
The integration of scientific and technological innovation, particularly in areas like new energy, new materials, and complex urban environments, highlights a commitment to addressing emerging risks. By strengthening professional academies and socialized talent training, the bureau aims to cultivate a highly skilled workforce capable of operating advanced systems and responding to diverse challenges. This comprehensive strategy under the 'Fifteenth Five-Year Plan' is poised to significantly bolster China's capacity to protect its citizens and assets from the increasing complexities of modern disasters.
Key points
- By 2030, China aims to establish a comprehensive fire and rescue force system with Chinese characteristics.
- The plan focuses on transforming fire safety governance towards pre-prevention and enhancing all-disaster rescue capabilities.
- It includes strengthening comprehensive support systems, such as equipment for extreme scenarios and emergency communication networks.
- The initiative emphasizes consolidating grassroots fire safety through collaborative governance, volunteer forces, and professional development.
- Science, technology, and talent development are crucial pillars, with plans for major research facilities and specialized training academies.
The successful implementation of this plan could lead to a significant reduction in fire-related fatalities and property damage, enhancing overall public safety and national resilience. Advanced rescue capabilities and a robust emergency management system would better protect citizens and critical infrastructure from a wider range of disasters.
Challenges in resource allocation, technological integration, or the effective training of a large workforce could hinder the full realization of these ambitious goals. Unforeseen complex disaster scenarios or rapid urban development might also outpace the planned improvements, leaving gaps in the system.
