Two-day field demonstration exercise held as part of the STOP FIRES project
Within the framework of the STOP FIRES project, a two-day field demonstration exercise dedicated to improving cross-border cooperation and exchanging experiences in the field of forest fire prevention and suppression was held in Hungary on May 26th and 27th 2026, organized by the Hungarian partner. The exercise was held in the presence of representatives of the project partners – the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia – Sector for Emergency Situations, PE “Vojvodinašume” Petrovaradin, the Fund for European Affairs and Development of the AP Vojvodina from the Serbian side, and Kefag Private Ltd. for Forestry and Wood Industry from Kiskunság from the Hungarian side, as well as representatives of voluntary firefighting societies from the North Bačka District.
During the exercise, partners had the opportunity to participate in a field navigation and guidance exercise with the support of vehicles from the Bács-Kiskun County Fire Department, as well as to visit the Sóstó Forest Park and the area near Kiskunhalas, which was affected by a large forest fire in 2022 covering an area of approximately 200 hectares.
Special attention was paid to practical activities after the fire was extinguished, which were presented during a visit to the Janostelek viewpoint. Participants were introduced to terrain rehabilitation measures, damage assessment, and activities aimed at restoring and protecting forest ecosystems.
This exercise represented a significant opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and good practices among project partners and experts, with the aim of strengthening capacity for more efficient response to forest fires and protection of natural resources in the cross-border area of Hungary and Serbia.
