the operational section of the fire brigade and also often remain as instructors for other youth. There are various events in Finland for the youth sections of fire brigades, including camps (where the youth participate in training courses and leisure time activities) and competitions. The camps and competitions can either be regional or national, and Finnish youth have also participated in international contests and camps. Equipment The fire fighting equipment, from fire engines to the personal protective gear firemen wear, is fairly modern in Finland. The fire and rescue services have approximately 4 500 vehicles in their use. Voluntary fire brigades often "recycle" equipment. The fire brigades operating in higher risk areas will get new equipment and their old equipment will be moved onwards to fire brigades in lesser risk areas. The Ministry of the Interior has set strict rules and regulations governing the protective gear and fire brigades' equipment. Suomen Pelastusalan Keskusjärjestö Suomen Pelastusalan Keskusjärjestö, SPEK (the Finnish National Rescue Association) is a central organisation in Finland for fire and rescue service. It is a non-profit organisation funded by various foundations and funds. SPEK campaigns for public awareness about fire and safety issues. It also aims to be a central national organisation for (voluntary) fire brigades in Finland. SPEK supervises and coordinates their activity. Also the women and youth work fire brigades do is heavily influenced by SPEK. See also Fire fighting Fire fighter References External links The emergency services college Finnish Association of Fire Fighters SPAL Rescue services in Finland The Finnish National Rescue Association The Finnish voluntary fire fighters Society of Finland Finland