Podgorica, (MINA) – The Rescue and Protection Service of the Capital City is intensively strengthening its operational readiness for the upcoming fire season, said Service Commander Nikola Bojanovic, adding that they have enough staff for regular activities, and that recruitment of new personnel is planned before the start of the season.

Bojanovic told the MINA News Agency that preparations for the upcoming fire season are proceeding according to plan.

According to him, vehicles and equipment are regularly serviced to ensure they are completely operational and ready for interventions.

Bojanovic said that the Service has adequate equipment and specialized firefighting vehicles for various purposes, including a certain number of vehicles of older production that are regularly maintained.

“There are 71 firefighters-rescuers in the operational team, which enables smooth shift work and daily interventions”, Bojanovic pointed out and added that personal protective equipment for wildfires and technical interventions has been provided for all firefighters ahead of this fire season.

He added that during the summer months, the seasonal engagement of an additional number of firefighters under contract is planned.

Speaking about prevention, Bojanovic said that preventive measures are carried out continuously, through regular visits to high-risk locations and coordination with other city services.

He stated that during last year’s fire season, about 1500 interventions were recorded in extinguishing fires in open areas.

“The season was one of the most demanding for the Service due to the large number of fires, unfavorable weather conditions and challenging terrain, which made firefighting efforts even more difficult”, said Bojanovic.