In recognition of the work and heroism of the fire fighters in Brumadinho, Vale formalized on Friday (15/3) A contribution of R$20 million to the Fire Service of Minas Gerais (CBMMG). The announcement was made by Vale's Executive Director of Sustainability and Institutional Relations, Luiz Eduardo Osorio to the Commander-General, Coronel Edgard Estevo da Silva, at the headquarters, in Belo Horizonte (MG). More than 7000 pieces of equipment have been donated and extra training will benefit all 6000 firefighters in the state.

There will be R$15 million set aside for equipment purchase, infrastructure improvements and professional training and another R$5 million for the construction of buildings to aid fire training at the Academy.

The choice of goods and services that will be made available was defined during conversations that took place in recent weeks with the Fire Servicet, in which their main needs were mapped-out. The criteria for these purchases were based on delivery timescales and according to availability. "This equipment will be instrumental in improving our infrastructure and contributing to the training of our professionals and will extend to other firefighters from other states," Col. Estevo explained.

 Luiz Eduardo Osorio and Col. Edgard Estevo da Silva sign the agreement outlining the company's contribution to the Minas Gerais Fire Service (CBMMG) 

Among the equipment that will be purchased, are operational vehicles (two buses, four trucks, a vehicle to aid access in difficult areas), rescue and intervention devices (excavators, chainsaws, generators, etc.), personal protective equipment, office supplies, tools and accessories for decontamination (chemical protection boots, etc.), in addition to 40 dogs used in rescue operations.

The renovation of the Fire Service Academy's facilities, located in Belo Horizonte (MG), aims to contribute to its improvement, with the construction of buildings and equipment for training, such as a high rescue tower, fire combat station, dive training station and an urban disaster training course.

To enhance professional training, courses are being planned abroad and there will be the addition of technical books.  "Firefighters are true heroes and guardian angels, working without rest, day after day, in rescue operations. They face difficult situations in the most adverse scenarios. This is a way for Vale to recognize the enormous effort, dedication and engagement of this corporation throughout the rescue process to those affected by the breach of the dam in Brumadinho ," said Luiz Eduardo Osorio.

The deadline for the delivery of equipment is between 30 and 180 days, according to availability. The renovation of the Fire Academy is expected to take up to two years. The announced contribution is not part of the TAP (Preliminary agreement term), previously defined by Vale and authorities.