STOP FIRES: Joint Action for Safer Forests
As part of the STOP FIRES project, a three-day joint training event took place in Subotica from July 10-12, 2026, aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience, and enhancing capacities for forest fire prevention and more efficient response to emergency situations.
The training gathered representatives of the STOP FIRES project partners from Serbia and Hungary, including the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia – Sector for Emergency Management, Public Enterprise “Vojvodinašume” Petrovaradin, Fund for European Affairs and Development of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, and KEFAG Ltd. for Forestry and Wood Industry from Kiskunság. The event also brought together representatives of volunteer fire brigades from the cross-border region of Serbia and Hungary, fostering cooperation and the exchange of experience among key stakeholders in forest fire prevention and response.
On the first day of the training, participants learned more about the STOP FIRES project, its objectives, and the activities carried out so far. Project manager Dr Bojan Tubić from Public Enterprise “Vojvodinašume” presented the project’s key achievements, including a study on groundwater resources in the Subotica Sands area, the introduction of a new forest fire detection and monitoring system, and the procurement of a specialized firefighting vehicle for the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia – Sector for Emergency Management.
The training also highlighted the importance of the protected natural areas included in the project, with a focus on the “Subotica Sands” Special Nature Reserve as one of the main intervention areas, alongside Palić Nature Park and the “Ludaš Lake” Special Nature Reserve. Participants gained insight into modern methods and practices for forest fire prevention, early warning, and effective response.
The second part of the training was dedicated to a practical field exercise, allowing participants to put their knowledge and skills into practice in a real-world setting. Following the exercise, experts conducted an evaluation and discussion on opportunities to further strengthen early fire detection systems, improve coordination among emergency services, and enhance crisis response capacities.
The training served as an important platform for institutions and organizations from Serbia and Hungary to exchange expertise, share experiences, and promote good practices. By working together, project partners are contributing to stronger capacities for forest fire risk management, improved protection of natural resources, and greater resilience of the cross-border region to the growing challenges posed by climate change.
STOP FIRES initiative highlights the importance of cooperation, knowledge sharing, and coordinated action in building more resilient systems for preventing and responding to natural disasters.
Implemented under the Interreg VI-A IPA Hungary–Serbia Programme, the project “Strengthening Organizations in Fire Protection” (project number HUSRB/23R/11/086) brings together partners from Serbia – Public Enterprise “Vojvodinašume”, the Fund for European Affairs and Development of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, and the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia – Sector for Emergency Management – together with the Hungarian partner, KEFAG Ltd. for Forestry and Wood Industry from Kiskunság.
Through joint efforts, the project aims to strengthen environmental resilience to climate change, improve fire risk prevention, and enhance preparedness for more effective emergency response. The project focuses on increasing environmental resilience to climate change, strengthening fire risk prevention measures, and improving institutional preparedness for more efficient emergency management and response.
