Fireguard - Project IPA Romania Serbia

ODRŽANA OBUKA ZA GAŠENJE ŠUMSKIH POŽARA „CORNEREVA 2026“ U OKVIRU PROJEKTA FIREGUARD
U okviru prekograničnog projekta FIREGUARD – Unapređenje upravljanja katastrofama i prevencije rizika od požara u ranjivim prekograničnim prirodnim područjima i zaštićenim rezervatima, od 29. do 31. maja 2026. godine u Kornerevi, Rumunija, održana je trodnevna obuka za gašenje šumskih požara „Cornereva 2026“.
Obuka je okupila predstavnike institucija, dobrovoljnih vatrogasnih organizacija i stručnjake iz oblasti zaštite i spasavanja iz Srbije i Rumunije, sa ciljem unapređenja znanja, razmene iskustava i jačanja prekogranične saradnje u borbi protiv sve učestalijih šumskih požara.
Tokom prvog dana učesnicima je predstavljen projekat FIREGUARD, njegovi ciljevi i aktivnosti, kao i partneri koji rade na jačanju kapaciteta za prevenciju i reagovanje u pograničnim područjima, uz poseban akcenat na bezbednost vatrogasaca i procenu rizika na terenu.
Drugog dana održana su stručna predavanja o nacionalnim sistemima odgovora na šumske požare, organizaciji intervencija, savremenim taktikama gašenja i koordinaciji službi, nakon čega je sprovedena simulaciona vežba sa realnim scenarijima i timskim radom na analizi rizika i planiranju intervencija.
Treći dan bio je posvećen analizi vežbe, razmeni iskustava i evaluaciji obuke, a učesnicima su na kraju uručeni sertifikati o uspešno završenoj obuci.
Obuka „Cornereva 2026“ još jednom je potvrdila značaj međunarodne saradnje u zaštiti prirode i upravljanju vanrednim situacijama, kao i potrebu za stalnim unapređenjem znanja i operativnih kapaciteta u borbi protiv šumskih požara.

FIRE EXTINGUISHING TRAINING “CORNEREVA 2026” HELD WITHIN THE FIREGUARD PROJECT
Within the cross-border project FIREGUARD – Improving disaster management and wildfire risk prevention in vulnerable cross-border natural areas and protected reserves, a three-day wildfire suppression training “Cornereva 2026” was held from May 29 to May 31, 2026 in Cornereva, Romania.
The training brought together representatives of institutions, volunteer fire organizations, and experts in protection and rescue from Serbia and Romania, with the aim of improving knowledge, exchanging experience, and strengthening cross-border cooperation in combating increasingly frequent wildfires.
On the first day, participants were introduced to the FIREGUARD project, its objectives and activities, as well as the partners working on strengthening capacities for prevention and response in border areas, with special emphasis on firefighter safety and risk assessment in the field.
On the second day, expert lectures were held on national wildfire response systems, intervention organization, modern firefighting tactics, and inter-agency coordination, followed by a simulation exercise based on real wildfire scenarios, where participants worked in teams to analyze risks and plan interventions.
The third day was dedicated to analysis of the exercise, exchange of experiences, and training evaluation, and at the end of the program participants were awarded certificates of successful completion.
The “Cornereva 2026” training once again confirmed the importance of international cooperation in environmental protection and emergency management, as well as the need for continuous improvement of knowledge and operational capacities in wildfire suppression.

VIŠE OD JEDNOG VEKA HRABROSTI, ZAJEDNIŠTVA I SLUŽENJA LJUDIMA — TO JE PRIČA DOBROVOLJNOG VATROGASNOG DRUŠTVA KAČAREVO.
Osnovano davne 1889. godine, u tadašnjem Francfeldu, društvo je nastalo iz potrebe da se zaštite ljudi, domovi i imovina u vremenu kada je požar mogao da ugrozi čitavo naselje.
Kroz istoriju, zajedno sa promenama države i naselja, menjalo se i ime društva — Francfeld, Ferencfalu, Kraljevićevo, pa ponovo Francfeld. Današnje ime DVD Kačarevo dobija 4. oktobra 1944. godine, kada je mesto oslobođeno i dobilo ime koje nosi i danas.
Ali ono što se nikada nije promenilo jeste misija društva — spašavanje ljudi i imovine, pomoć zajednici i spremnost da se reaguje kada je najpotrebnije. Pored intervencija, društvo godinama obrazuje mlade vatrogasce, organizuje takmičenja i sarađuje sa brojnim društvima širom Srbije.
Posebno mesto u istoriji DVD-a zauzima zastava društva. Prva zastava dobijena je 1926/27. godine, ali je nestala tokom Drugog svetskog rata. Nova je uručena povodom stogodišnjice društva 1989. godine i postala simbol trajanja i ponosa generacija vatrogasaca. Društvo je kasnije dobilo i svoj grb, sa vatrogasnim simbolima koji predstavljaju tradiciju i požrtvovanje.
Danas DVD Kačarevo okuplja između 120 i 150 članova, među kojima je veliki broj mladih, dok operativnu jedinicu čini oko 30 aktivnih vatrogasaca. Posebno je značajno što su žene važan deo rada društva, čime se nastavlja tradicija zajedništva i uključivanja svih koji žele da doprinesu svojoj zajednici.
Istorija DVD Kačarevo nije samo priča o vatrogastvu. To je priča o ljudima koji su više od 135 godina čuvali svoje mesto, pomagali komšijama i dokazivali da su humanost, solidarnost i zajedništvo vrednosti koje traju kroz vreme.

MORE THAN A CENTURY OF COURAGE, UNITY, AND SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE — THIS IS THE STORY OF THE VOLUNTARY FIRE DEPARTMENT OF KAČAREVO.
Founded back in 1889 in what was then known as Francfeld, the society was established out of the need to protect people, homes, and property at a time when fires could endanger an entire settlement.
Throughout history, alongside changes of the state and the settlement itself, the organization also changed its name — Francfeld, Ferencfalu, Kraljevićevo, and then once again Francfeld. The present-day name, VFD Kačarevo, was adopted on October 4, 1944, when the village was liberated and received the name it still carries today.
What has never changed, however, is the society’s mission — saving lives and property, helping the community, and being ready to respond whenever needed. In addition to emergency interventions, the society has for many years trained young firefighters, organized competitions, and cooperated with numerous fire departments across Serbia.
A special place in the history of the VFD belongs to the society’s flag. The first flag was received in 1926/27, but it disappeared during the Second World War. A new flag was presented on the occasion of the society’s centennial anniversary in 1989, becoming a symbol of continuity and pride for generations of firefighters. The society later also received its own emblem, featuring firefighting symbols representing tradition and dedication.
Today, VFD Kačarevo gathers between 120 and 150 members, including a large number of young people, while its operational unit consists of around 30 active firefighters. Particularly significant is the important role of women within the society, continuing the tradition of unity and inclusion of everyone willing to contribute to their community.
The history of VFD Kačarevo is not only a story about firefighting. It is a story about people who, for more than 135 years, have protected their town, helped their neighbors, and proved that humanity, solidarity, and togetherness are values that endure through time.

VIŠE OD 150 GODINA HRABROSTI I HUMANOSTI — PRIČA O DOBROVOLJNOM VATROGASNOM DRUŠTVU PANČEVO
Da li ste znali da je jedno od najstarijih dobrovoljnih vatrogasnih društava u Srbiji osnovano upravo u Pančevu — davne 1871. godine?
U vreme kada su požari predstavljali veliku opasnost za gradove i domaćinstva, grupa hrabrih i odgovornih građana okupila se sa ciljem da štiti svoje sugrađane i njihovu imovinu. Tako je nastalo Dobrovoljno vatrogasno društvo Pančevo, koje već više od 150 godina predstavlja simbol solidarnosti, discipline i nesebične pomoći zajednici.
Prvi predsednik Društva bio je Karl Vajfert, dok je porodica Vajfert dala značajan doprinos razvoju vatrogastva u Pančevu i Banatu.
Kroz decenije, pančevački vatrogasci suočavali su se sa brojnim izazovima — od velikih požara do ratnih i vanrednih situacija — ostajući verni svojoj misiji zaštite građana i njihove imovine.
Od ručnih pumpi i vatrogasnih kola iz 19. veka do savremene opreme današnjice, DVD Pančevo neprestano se razvijalo i modernizovalo. Danas, pored operativnog rada, Društvo veliku pažnju posvećuje edukaciji građana i očuvanju bogate vatrogasne tradicije kroz svoj vatrogasni muzej.
I posle više od jednog i po veka, ono što najviše krasi članove DVD Pančevo ostalo je isto — humanost, dobrovoljnost i spremnost da pomognu zajednici u svakom trenutku.

MORE THAN 150 YEARS OF COURAGE AND HUMANITY — THE STORY OF THE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE PANČEVO
Did you know that one of the oldest volunteer fire brigades in Serbia was founded in Pančevo as early as 1871?
At a time when fires posed a major threat to cities and households, a group of brave and responsible citizens came together with the goal of protecting their fellow citizens and their property. This is how the Volunteer Fire Brigade Pančevo was established — an organization that for more than 150 years has represented a symbol of solidarity, discipline, and selfless service to the community.
The first president of the Brigade was Karl Weifert, while the Weifert family made a significant contribution to the development of firefighting in Pančevo and the Banat region.
Over the decades, Pančevo’s firefighters faced numerous challenges — from major fires to wartime and emergency situations — remaining dedicated to their mission of protecting citizens and their property.
From hand pumps and fire wagons of the 19th century to modern equipment and vehicles of today, the Volunteer Fire Brigade Pančevo has continuously evolved and modernized. Today, in addition to its operational role, the Brigade places great emphasis on educating citizens and preserving its rich firefighting tradition through its firefighting museum.
Even after more than a century and a half, the values that best define the members of the Volunteer Fire Brigade Pančevo remain unchanged — humanity, volunteerism, and readiness to help the community at any moment.

Kroz edukaciju i angažovanje mladih gradimo dugoročnu zaštitu naših šuma
Tokom trodnevne prekogranične vežbe „Deliblatska peščara 2026“, studenti Akademije strukovnih studija, smera politehnika, Univerziteta u Beogradu i srednjoškolci iz Rumunije imali su priliku da kroz konkretne aktivnosti pokažu koliko su znanje i saradnja važni u prevenciji i reagovanju na šumske požare.
Kroz zajednički rad sa profesorima, razvijali su ideje i koncepte edukativnih materijala o prevenciji šumskih požara, namenjenih osnovnim i srednjim školama. Njihov zadatak bio je da na kreativan i razumljiv način približe ovu važnu temu vršnjacima – u čemu su pokazali veliku posvećenost i inovativnost.
Istovremeno su pratili segmente pokazne vežbe i kroz praktične aktivnosti videli kako izgleda realna intervencija u slučaju šumskih požara – od organizacije timova i donošenja odluka do primene metoda gašenja u zahtevnim uslovima.
Najmlađi učesnici su se dodatno oprobali i u prilagođenim takmičarskim vežbama, gde su pokazali spretnost, brzinu i timski duh, ali i spremnost da reaguju u situacijama koje zahtevaju odgovornost i pribranost.
Kroz razmenu iskustava i zajednički rad, studenti i srednjoškolci iz Srbije i Rumunije povezivali su se, razvijajući svest o značaju prevencije šumskih požara i međusobne saradnje u njihovom sprečavanju.

Through education and youth engagement, we are building long-term protection for our forests.
During the three-day cross-border exercise “Deliblato Sands 2026,” students from the Academy of Applied Studies, Polytechnic program, University of Belgrade, and high school students from Romania had the opportunity to demonstrate through practical activities how important knowledge and cooperation are in the prevention of and response to forest fires.
Working together with their professors, they developed ideas and concepts for educational materials on forest fire prevention, intended for primary and secondary schools. Their task was to present this important topic to their peers in a creative and understandable way – in which they showed great dedication and innovation.
At the same time, they followed segments of the demonstration exercise and, through practical activities, saw what a real intervention in the event of forest fires looks like – from team organization and decision-making to the application of firefighting methods in demanding conditions.
The youngest participants also took part in adapted competitive exercises, where they demonstrated agility, speed, and team spirit, as well as readiness to respond in situations that require responsibility and composure.
Through the exchange of experiences and joint work, students and high school students from Serbia and Romania connected with each other, developing awareness of the importance of forest fire prevention and mutual cooperation in addressing them.

FIREGUARD OJAČAO KAPACITETE: NOVO VOZILO ZA BRZE INTERVENCIJE U DELIBLATSKOJ PEŠČARI
U okviru projekta FIREGUARD, JP „Vojvodinašume“ dodatno je osnažilo svoje kapacitete kroz nabavku dva savremena terenska vatrogasna vozila, prilagođenih za brzo reagovanje u osetljivim prirodnim područjima poput Deliblatske peščare.
Reč je o vozilu projektovanom za kretanje po zahtevnim i nepristupačnim terenima, koje raspolaže rezervoarima za vodu i penu, pumpom visokog pritiska i pogonom na sva četiri točka. Zahvaljujući dvostrukoj kabini, omogućeno je i angažovanje kompletnog tima na jednoj intervenciji.
U poređenju sa standardnim, masivnijim vatrogasnim vozilima, ovaj tip kamioneta značajno skraćuje vreme dolaska na lice mesta i omogućava početno delovanje u ranoj fazi požara, pre dolaska dodatnih snaga i opreme.
Način rada i njegova funkcionalnost testirana je tokom trodnevne terenske obuke „Deliblatska peščara 2026“, održane u periodu od 27. do 29. marta, dok su praktične aktivnosti i simulacije požara bile prilika za predstavljanje karakteristika i mogućnosti ovog vozila.

FIREGUARD STRENGTHENS CAPACITIES: NEW RAPID RESPONSE VEHICLE IN DELIBLATO SANDS
As part of the FIREGUARD project, the public enterprise “Vojvodinašume” has further strengthened its capacities through the procurement of two modern off-road firefighting vehicles, designed for rapid response in sensitive natural areas such as the Deliblato Sands.
The vehicle is specifically engineered for operation in demanding and hard-to-access terrains. It is equipped with water and foam tanks, a high-pressure pump, and four-wheel drive. Thanks to its double cabin, it enables the deployment of a full intervention team in a single response.
Compared to standard, more robust firefighting vehicles, this type of pickup truck significantly reduces response time and allows for initial action in the early stages of a fire, before additional forces and equipment arrive.
Its operation and functionality were tested during the three-day field training exercise “Deliblato Sands 2026,” held from March 27 to 29, where practical activities and fire simulations provided an opportunity to demonstrate the vehicle’s features and capabilities.

FIREGUARD OJAČAO VATROGASNE KAPACITETE – NABAVLJENA OPREMA ZA DVD

Gradski vatrogasni savez Pančeva, kao projektni partner na projektu FIREGUARD u okviru IPA programa Rumunija – Srbija, realizovao je nabavku opreme za gašenje šumskih požara, namenjene dobrovoljnim vatrogasnim društvima na teritoriji grada Pančeva.
Oprema je obezbeđena za sedam dobrovoljnih vatrogasnih društava: DVD Starčevo, DVD Glogonj, DVD Dolovo, DVD Vladimirovac, DVD Pančevo, DVD Dubovac i DVD Deliblato.
Svako društvo biće opremljeno kompletom koji uključuje: naprtnjače za gašenje požara, lopate, metlarice, ašove, vile, velike sekire, krampove, motornu testeru za drva, zaštitne rukavice i obuću, polumaske sa filterom, vatrogasne opasače i šlemove.
Nova oprema predstavljena je tokom trodnevne terenske vežbe „Deliblatska peščara 2026“, koja je održana u periodu od 27. do 29. marta 2026. godine u Specijalnom rezervatu prirode Deliblatska peščara. Tom prilikom, kroz praktične aktivnosti i simulacije požara, demonstrirana je njena funkcionalnost i efikasnost u realnim terenskim uslovima.

FIREGUARD STRENGTHENS FIREFIGHTING CAPACITIES AND EQUIPS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS
The City Firefighting Association of Pančevo, as a project partner in the FIREGUARD project implemented within the Romania–Serbia IPA Programme, has carried out the procurement of equipment for combating wildfires, intended for voluntary fire departments in the territory of the City of Pančevo.
The equipment has been provided for seven voluntary fire departments: VFD Starčevo, VFD Glogonj, VFD Dolovo, VFD Vladimirovac, VFD Pančevo, VFD Dubovac, and VFD Deliblato.
Each department will be equipped with a set including: wildfire backpack pumps, shovels, fire beaters, spades, pitchforks, large axes, pickaxes, a chainsaw for wood, protective gloves and footwear, half-face respirator masks with filters, firefighting belts, and helmets.
The new equipment was presented during the three-day field exercise “Deliblato Sands 2026”, which was held from March 27 to 29, 2026, in the Special Nature Reserve Deliblato Sands. On that occasion, through practical activities and fire simulations, its functionality and efficiency in real field conditions were demonstrated.