Fire brigade
What do the fire departments do?
![](https://www.protectioncivile.be/sites/default/files/styles/badge/public/explorer/images/que-font-les-pompiers_2020.png?itok=MLR7eCmn)
(photo Exxonmobil)
The population can count on about 17,300 professional and voluntary firefighters, who belong to 34 emergency rescue zones and the Brussels fire brigade. You can reach the fire brigade at any moment for urgent assistance by calling the emergency number 112. When it is not urgent, you better call your emergency rescue zone on their own phone number.
Reform
![](https://www.protectioncivile.be/sites/default/files/styles/badge/public/explorer/images/reforme_0.png?itok=dxbjOKVA)
The reform of the civil security (in particular the fire departments and the Civil Protection) has three main goals: an optimal organization of the relief provided to the population; increasing the safety of the citizens and relief workers; professionalization of the work frame for the members of the emergency services,
How to become a firefighter?
![](https://www.protectioncivile.be/sites/default/files/styles/badge/public/explorer/images/si_recrutement_2020.png?itok=9QqE69o-)
The procedure to become a firefighter should not be underestimated. A strong motivation is very important, but you also need to dispose of a number of cognitive, technical and physical competences in order to be able to join the fire brigade.
Do you want to become a firefighter? Then you can find all the information you need here.
Specialized teams
![](https://www.protectioncivile.be/sites/default/files/styles/badge/public/explorer/images/plongeur.png?itok=TsWrRUgG)
The Civil Protection and the fire departments have a number of tasks for which they need to use special techniques or need special equipment. To be able to execute these specialized tasks correctly, a few specialized teams were created.
Rescue Dog Belgium
![Reddingshondenteams](https://www.protectioncivile.be/sites/default/files/styles/badge/public/explorer/images/si-rescue-dog-belgium.png?itok=-FEylvMP)
The rescue dogs teams of the Civil Security, commonly referred to as "canine brigades", are grouped together within Rescue Dog Belgium. These teams are made of rescue dog handlers from an emergency rescue zones or the Civil Protection, and their dog.