Estonia’s rescue service is facing a critical shortage of firefighters, with approximately 100 additional personnel needed to maintain adequate response capabilities. The deputy director of the service has warned that insufficient pay is a primary obstacle to recruitment and retention. This shortfall poses a threat to the service's ability to effectively handle emergencies across Estonia. Officials report that the current compensation levels are not competitive, discouraging individuals from joining or remaining in the profession. The situation raises concerns about public safety and the potential for delayed response times during critical incidents. Addressing the pay issue is therefore seen as crucial to bolstering the ranks of Estonia’s fire and rescue teams.