OSCE helps to strengthen fire management capacities in Montenegro

PODGORICA, 15 September 2017 - A set of essential firefighting equipment has been handed over by the OSCE to the Emergency Management Directorate of the Montenegrin Interior Ministry in Podgorica.

Montenegro had to battle extremely fierce wildfires in July 2017. Firefighters were called upon to respond to the fires in difficult conditions of extreme heat across the country.

As part of its support in responding to this severe disaster, the OSCE, in close collaboration with the Montenegrin Emergency Management Directorate, identified and procured a set of essential equipment for effective firefighting. This set includes fire hoses, hose connectors and adaptors, individual portable water reservoirs and manual pumps for woodland fire suppression, as well as some basic electronic devices such as GPS and extreme conditions- resistant mobile telephones.

“The OSCE has a longstanding engagement in strengthening national and regional capacities in wildfire management,” said Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities Vuk Zugic. “With this firefighting equipment we hope to contribute to Montenegro’s efforts for advanced preparedness and response.”

Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro Maryse Daviet said she is confident that today’s gathering will be an important step forward in strengthening Montenegro’s capacity in wildfire management and more broadly in disaster risk reduction.  “A regional approach and co-operation in all stages of disaster management is of great importance.”

Commending the good collaboration between the OSCE and the Interior Ministry in the field of disaster risk reduction, General Director of Emergency Management Directorate Mirsad Mulić said:  “The equipment will help us in mapping areas with high wildfire risks, in communication and in response and rescue services.”