Did the White Helmets Take Over Damascus Fire Brigade Centers?

On Tuesday, December 17, elements of the Damascus Fire Brigade staged a strike in the Syrian capital, protesting what they claimed was the Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the “White Helmets,” taking over their centers and sending them home. The organization, however, denied these accusations through its director, Raed al-Saleh, who described them as “misleading news aimed at tarnishing the institution’s reputation.”

Details of the Strike and Its Causes

Verify-sy contacted an administrative official from the fire brigade—who requested anonymity—through the contact number listed on their official Facebook page. The official clarified that the workers had not received any formal decision to send them home and that they were still working alongside the Syrian Civil Defense within the building. However, he noted that the workers felt their role had diminished, as they were prohibited from wearing their old uniforms and were not provided with new ones, forcing them to work in civilian clothing.

The source added that military officers stationed in the fire brigade building were instructed to return home, a decision welcomed by the brigade’s workers. On the morning of the strike, the workers attempted to meet with Damascus Governor Maher Marwan to present their demands, but he was unavailable, prompting them to resort to a strike.

The Situation of Families Residing in the Building

The official noted that around 20 families residing in the fire brigade building were recently asked to return to their homes, mostly located in the Damascus countryside. This decision sparked some controversy among the residents.

Response from the White Helmets

Raed al-Saleh, director of the Syrian Civil Defense, denied claims that any civilian workers had been sent home. He explained that only military-style camouflage uniforms were prohibited, while civil defense uniforms were available and allowed. He emphasized that the White Helmets are working temporarily within the brigade without intending to take over or sideline its workers.

Regarding the evacuation of families, al-Saleh clarified that those residing in the building were not workers but had previously benefitted from it under the deposed regime. He added that the building had been used as a military site containing barricades and ammunition depots, which necessitated its evacuation and inspection to ensure the safety of the workers.

Al-Saleh also noted that the military officers sent home were implicated in war crimes against civilians and that their reassignment was part of preparations for fair trials in the future.

Did the White Helmets Seize the Fire Brigade’s Equipment?

Through its fact-checking efforts, Verify-sy Platform found that claims on social media accusing the White Helmets of taking over the fire brigade’s centers and equipment are unfounded. Videos from the strike showed fire brigade equipment being used during the protests, despite some of the vehicles bearing the White Helmets' logo.

conclusion