A. M. 
As part of the Plan Fin de Año 2025, the authorities of the Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil presented a preliminary assessment of the emergencies attended to between december 23 and 30, a period in which traffic accidents accounted for the greatest operational burden on first responders.
Traffic accidents, the main incident attended to
According to information provided by director Luis Alonso Amaya, 524 traffic accidents were recorded during this period, leaving 368 people injured. These figures reflect that road accidents continue to be one of the main threats to the safety and lives of the population during the holiday season, when vehicle mobility and travel to different parts of the country increase.
Likewise, 55 people were reported arrested for dangerous driving, an offense that poses a high risk to drivers, pedestrians, and passengers alike. Authorities reiterated that reckless driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol continue to be recurring factors in this type of emergency.
Water rescues and emergency response
In addition to traffic accidents, the preliminary report details 44 water rescues, of which 13 were simple rescues and 31 were deep rescues, mainly at beaches and other bodies of water. These interventions highlight the importance of maintaining vigilance and complying with safety recommendations during seasonal recreational activities.
The director of the El Salvador Fire Department, Baltazar Solano, emphasized that emergencies do not stop during the holidays and that operational personnel remain active 24 hours a day. “Until the last day of the year, we remain alert and ready to respond immediately to any call from the public”, he said.
Inspections of fireworks sales
As part of the preventive actions of the Plan Fin de Año 2025officials from the Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil carried out inspections of collective sales of pyrotechnic products, specifically in the Masferrer roundabout in downtown San Salvador. These checks seek to ensure compliance with safety measures and legality in the marketing of this type of product.
During the inspections, Cuerpo de Bomberos and Protección Civil personnel verified that the sales stands had valid permits, the appropriate licenses, and the minimum equipment necessary to respond to any fire outbreak. They also verified that merchants were familiar with and applied the established guidelines for risk reduction.
Call for prevention and responsibility
The governor of San Salvador, Eduardo Godoy, called on the population to remember that the improper use of fireworks involves significant risks, especially for children and the elderly. He also reiterated that the government of President Nayib Bukele remains prepared to respond in a timely and effective manner to any eventuality during the end-of-year celebrations.
The authorities insisted that prevention is key to reducing emergencies, both on the roads and in recreational and commercial areas. The Plan Fin de Año 2025continues to be implemented with the aim of safeguarding the lives, integrity, and property of salvadoran families, allowing the festivities to take place in a safe and orderly environment.
