After a summer marked by numerous fires, every new investment in modern firefighting and rescue equipment represents an important step in strengthening the safety of citizens and property. As part of the implementation of the Fire Free MED – FRE project, Ulcinj’s Fire and Rescue Service has received a DJI Matrice 350 RTK drone along with auxiliary equipment for fire detection – thermal cameras, a spotlight, a loudspeaker, and a parachute.
The project was co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg Euro-MED programme, with the value of the drone and accompanying equipment exceeding €35,000.
The project’s assistant coordinator, Aleksandar Škrelja, stated that the project’s central theme was the prevention and mitigation of the effects of climate change, which manifests in the form of forest fires.
“In addition to this equipment, software will also be developed to enable the drone to be used more effectively and efficiently. The drone will be deployed in rescue operations and firefighting, and it will also serve in monitoring inaccessible terrain and help in potential evacuations,” Škrelja explained.
The Head of the Rescue Service, Abdulah Nimanbegu, emphasised that this drone is one of the most advanced drones currently available on the market.
He added that this equipment will significantly improve the work of the fire brigade.
“The drone has many functions that will facilitate our interventions. Among other things, it is equipped with a loudspeaker and microphone that allow us to communicate with people in hard-to-reach areas until members of the Fire and Rescue Service arrive,” Nimanbegu emphasised.
The Mayor of Ulcinj, Genci Nimanbegu, stated that the acquisition of the drone was the result of cooperation between the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of European Affairs, and the Municipality of Ulcinj, specifically its IPA Office.
“These are concrete contributions towards improving conditions in our municipality. I hope that the members of the Fire and Rescue Service will make full use of the drone’s capabilities. To date, the municipality has secured approximately €160,000 worth of equipment for firefighters through various projects. This will ensure that we have a capable service that contributes significantly to fire and flood prevention. We hope to be even more active in this regard in the future,” said Nimanbegu.
A representative of the Ministry of European Affairs, Borka Lješković, stated that the ministry was satisfied with the successful implementation of such a project.
“The importance of this equipment speaks for itself after a season marked by so many challenges and fires. We are also pleased that we can support the Municipality of Ulcinj, which is very active in EU-funded projects under the IPA III programme. I am confident that they will continue and make excellent use of the funds for the benefit of the community,” Lješković highlighted.
Kristina Dušaj from the Ministry of Finance expressed her satisfaction with projects essential for Montenegro, especially considering the previous fire season.
“We are working consistently to secure as much support as possible from the EU for our country and for the benefit of our citizens,” she concluded.
The Department for EU Projects of the Municipality of Ulcinj announced that the drone and accompanying software would be used for monitoring high-risk fire areas, providing timely alerts to relevant services, and aiding in the coordination of interventions. This equipment will reduce risks to human lives, protect nature, and minimise material damage. The FRED software platform is also currently being developed, integrating advanced ICT tools for fire prevention, monitoring, and analysis through the use of artificial intelligence.
“The Fire Free MED project brings together partners from seven countries – Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Montenegro – in joint efforts to reduce the risk of forest fires through innovative technologies,” stated the Department for EU Projects of the Municipality of Ulcinj.
Article and photo source: ME4EU
