Two-Day On-Site Firefighting Drill Conducted Under the “StrengThening Organizations in the Protection Against Fires (STOP FIRES)” Project
As part of the project ” StrengThening Organizations in the Protection Against Fires (STOP FIRES)”, a two-day demonstration firefighting exercise was held in Hungary on May 22 and 23, 2025. The main objective was to enhance cross-border cooperation for the prevention and more effective management of wildfires.
The event focused on tackling the increasing risk of fires driven by climate change, developing preventive measures, and ensuring a swift and coordinated emergency response to wildfires.
Participants in the exercise included representatives of the Kiskunhalas Firefighting Service, KEFAG Kiskunsagi Forestry and Wood Industry Plc, Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia, Sector for Emergency Management (RS), volunteer firefighting associations from Serbia, PE “Vojvodinašume” based in Petrovaradin and Fund for European Affairs and Development of the AP Vojvodina.
On the first day, the exercise focused on a driving and navigation drill designed to train emergency response personnel to independently locate and reach designated fire sites marked on a map, without relying on familiarity with the local area.
The second day featured a visit to a forest fire water reservoir in the Harkakötöny area, followed by a field demonstration showcasing techniques for creating firebreaks and the practices of forest fire suppression methods.
During the two-day visit, participants were introduced to a best practice project carried out under the EU LIFE programme, as well as given a tour of the Aranymonostor (“Golden Monastery”) Visitor Center.
The STOP FIRES project aims to harness collective knowledge and best practices to mitigate the effects of climate change, especially the rising threat of fires, with a focus on protecting both the environment and public safety. The project contributes to the preservation of natural habitats and enhances the long-time security of local communities. Current experience demonstrates that prevention and cooperation play the key role in tackling future challenges.
