Penza, 13 September 2011. PenzaNews. Four new voluntary fire-engine houses were created on the territory of the Penza region from the beginning of September, 2011. There are 6 volunteers.

According to the press-service of central administrative board of the Ministry of Emergency Measures of the Russian Federation in the Penza region, there are 450 firemen, 180 fire-engines and 178 divisions of voluntary fire fighters in the region.

The first organizational meeting of the fire-fighting association of the Penza region took place on January, 10th, 1899. The first chairman and officers of board, the chief of the fire-fighting crew and his assistants were chosen during the first meeting. June, 25th, 1899 is the official date of opening of the fire-fighting association.

The first fire-engine house was opened on donations of citizens on June, 26th, 1902. During the first 10 years volunteers put out 524 fires and reacted to 237 fire-alarms. In total more than 22.7 thousand volunteers took part in 913 fires.