Bojanović: We are strengthening operational readiness, an increase in the number of firefighters is planned
The Capital City’s Protection and Rescue Service is intensively strengthening its operational readiness for the upcoming fire season, said its commander Nikola Bojanović, noting that they currently have enough personnel for regular activities, and that an additional increase in staff is planned before the start of the season.
Bojanović told the MINA agency that preparations for the upcoming fire season are progressing according to plan.
- The Protection and Rescue Service is working intensively on strengthening operational readiness. The current number of personnel is sufficient for regular activities, and before the start of the season, an additional increase in the number of staff is planned - said Bojanović.
As he stated, vehicles and equipment are regularly serviced to ensure they are fully technically operational and ready for interventions.
Bojanović said that the Service has adequate equipment and specialized firefighting vehicles for various purposes, including a certain number of older vehicles that are regularly maintained.
- The operational unit consists of 71 firefighter-rescuers, which enables uninterrupted shift work and daily interventions - Bojanović pointed out, adding that from this fire season, personal protective equipment for forest fires and technical interventions has been provided for all firefighters.
He noted that five new firefighters were recently hired, compensating for those who retired and stabilizing the operational staff.
- During the summer months, seasonal engagement of additional firefighters on a contractual basis is planned. In the long term, a gradual increase in the number of operational staff is being considered in line with the service’s needs - Bojanović said.
As he added, instructions for the Capital City’s services and companies will be completed in the second half of April and submitted to Mayor Saša Mujović.
- The document will contain guidelines for preventive activities, obligations of city services, and methods of coordination during the fire season - Bojanović explained.
According to him, the goal of the instructions is greater preparedness and more efficient action during the summer months.
Bojanović said that at the end of last year and the beginning of this year, significant funds were allocated for the modernization of the service and the improvement of working conditions.
- A specialized ladder truck was procured, protective equipment for forest fires and technical interventions was acquired, and facilities for firefighters’ stay and work were renovated. Funding for vehicles and equipment has nearly doubled, along with continuous professional training of personnel - Bojanović emphasized.
Speaking about prevention, he said that preventive measures are carried out continuously through regular inspections of high-risk locations and coordination with other city services.
- The hydrant network and access roads for firefighting vehicles are continuously checked to enable faster response in case of fire. Meetings with representatives of local communities are also planned to highlight the importance of preventive action - said Bojanović.
He stated that during last year’s fire season, around 1,500 interventions to extinguish fires in open areas were recorded.
- The season was one of the most demanding for the Service due to the large number of fires, unfavorable weather conditions, and terrain configuration, which further complicated firefighting efforts - said Bojanović.
He pointed out that all indications suggest that the most common causes of fires were waste burning and citizens’ negligence.
According to Bojanović, citizens can significantly contribute to reducing the risk of fires through responsible behavior during the summer months.
- It is necessary to avoid lighting fires in open areas, maintain yards, and remove flammable materials from properties. Any observed fire should be immediately reported to the Protection and Rescue Service at 123 - said Bojanović.