Germán Andrés Miranda Montenegro has been appointed National Fire Director of Colombia, taking charge of the country’s fire service at a time when national authorities are seeking to strengthen emergency preparedness, response capacity, and territorial coordination.
The appointment was confirmed on September 7 during a ceremony at the Ministry of the Interior, where Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara Restrepo swore in Miranda Montenegro as the new Director General of Bomberos de Colombia.
Miranda Montenegro, a Chief Captain and senior fire officer, brings more than 20 years of experience in Colombia’s National Fire System. He previously served as the first Director General of the National Fire Department of Colombia following the organization’s creation in 2012, holding the post until 2020.
His background includes work as an advisor, consultant, instructor, and educator, supporting training and capacity-building programs for emergency response and critical incident management. He has also developed specialist expertise in hazardous materials, crisis management, counterterrorism, and nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological response.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, his leadership will focus on strengthening the operational capabilities of fire departments across Colombia, improving coordination within the National Fire System, and advancing technical, administrative, and operational standards for the fire service.
Key priorities will include reinforcing support for firefighters in the regions, promoting professionalization and standardization, modernizing institutions and technology, and building strategic partnerships to expand prevention and emergency response capacity.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Lara Restrepo reaffirmed the National Government’s support for firefighters and said work would begin on an action plan to address the El Niño phenomenon.
“The firefighters of Colombia have the commitment of the National Government and the Ministry of the Interior to strengthen their response capacity,” Lara Restrepo said. “We will work on an action plan to address the El Niño phenomenon and on strengthening the National Fire Department and the country’s fire departments. You have a responsible role to play for Colombia, and what you do is worthy of heroes.”
Miranda Montenegro said he would move quickly to support firefighters and protect communities, the environment, and Colombia’s territories.
“We will undertake this task immediately,” he said. “We will defend Colombia on the beaches, in the mountains, on the roads, wherever necessary, because we will not allow either the environment or human lives to be endangered. We must do what we must for Colombia.”
