Debrecen4U May 18, 2026

Debrecen Supports Firefighters’ Housing with Ten Flats

The Municipality of Debrecen is supporting the work of the Hajdú-Bihar County Directorate for Disaster Management by transferring tenant nomination rights for ten council-owned flats. The aim is to improve housing opportunities for firefighters, helping the city retain a sufficient number of highly trained professionals and further strengthen safety in Debrecen.

Mayor László Papp emphasised that Debrecen is one of the safest cities in Hungary, thanks in large part to the work of disaster management personnel, firefighters, and law enforcement agencies. He noted that the city’s intensive economic development is raising an increasing number of industrial safety issues, making it especially important for the disaster management authority to maintain adequate staffing levels and high professional standards.

The Mayor highlighted that housing has now become a key issue in both retaining professionals and attracting them to Debrecen. Due to recent developments in the property market, both renting and purchasing homes can present serious challenges. Therefore, alongside the Főnix Housing Programme, the city is also using its own housing stock to expand accommodation opportunities.

László Papp explained that several months ago the leadership of the disaster management authority approached Debrecen City Council with a request for a contingent of ten flats. The city assembly approved the proposal, and the council will therefore make ten flats available to the authority. The Mayor also expressed his thanks to all firefighters and disaster management staff for their conscientious and responsible work.

Károly Gerebenics, Director of the Hajdú-Bihar County Directorate for Disaster Management, stressed that the council’s support provides tangible assistance to the colleagues and their families who will be able to use these flats in the future. He underlined that the cooperation strengthens not only the relationship between the two organisations, but also the security of the wider region.

According to the Director, more than 3,000 reports related to firefighting incidents were received by operations control from Debrecen last year, with actual intervention required in nearly 2,000 cases. This year, around 700 reports have already been received from the city, and firefighters have had to intervene on more than 400 occasions.

Károly Gerebenics stressed that, alongside a high level of professional preparedness and adequate equipment, it is also essential for firefighters to be able to work under stable and predictable living conditions. He said that providing these flats will support the housing needs of personnel and may help encourage even more young, highly trained professionals to choose service in Debrecen.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu