Cutting-Edge Drones for Rescue and Firefighting in BiH

Published: Dec 16, 2024 Reading time: 3 minutes

Organized by People in Need and the Czech company Fly4Future, a two-day drone operation training workshop was held as part of the F.I.R.E.S. project (Forefront Initiative for Rapid Early Suppression), with the support of the Ministry of Trade, Tourism, and Environmental Protection of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton and the Municipality of Jablanica.

The training took place at the premises of the Mountain Rescue Service in Jablanica and the breathtaking landscapes of the Blidinje Nature Park, providing participants with a unique opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

Fly4Future, a company from the Czech Republic, conducted the training for members of the Civil Protection of Jablanica Municipality, the Civil Protection and Firefighting Service of Konjic Municipality, the Mountain Rescue Service Jablanica, and the Volunteer Fire Department Jablanica. Their expertise focused on the use of drones for specialized tasks.

“For the first time, we have the opportunity to work with technology that can transform the way we respond to emergencies. This training not only enhances our technical capabilities but also gives us the confidence that we are better prepared when every second counts,” said a member of the Mountain Rescue Service Jablanica.

As part of this project, after the completion of the training, People in Need and Fly4Future will deliver a custom-designed drone to the Municipality of Jablanica. This innovative device will be used for early detection and suppression of forest fires, supporting rescue operations, and delivering materials and equipment to hard-to-reach areas. It will significantly enhance the capabilities of rescuers and improve response times to fires.

“Technology like the one we are introducing today is a game changer for rescue operations and environmental protection. Drones equipped with thermal cameras will enable faster and more precise responses to forest fires in their early stages, saving valuable resources and time. This is a significant step toward modernizing our approach to addressing everyday challenges, especially in inaccessible areas,” emphasized Dajana Bogdanović, Project Coordinator at People in Need.

The training program included live demonstrations and practical exercises led by Fly4Future experts, enabling participants to acquire essential skills for real-life operations. During the training, participants tested a drone recently donated to the Municipality of Jablanica by Spirit of America, coordinated with the support of People in Need.

In addition to the use of custom-designed drones, an early warning system utilizing a network of smoke sensors connected to cloud-based technology will enable faster responses, prevent the spread of fires, and detect fires at their earliest stages.

The F.I.R.E.S. project, co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, the Municipality of Jablanica and People in Need, in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Tourism, and Environmental Protection of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, the City of Konjic and the City of Trebinje, offers a comprehensive solution based on early warning, preventive measures, improved management, and innovative technology.

Autor: Iva Livaja