Fire Brigade from Lower Austria Fights Forest Fires in Montenegro

The firefighters not only have modern equipment such as fire backpacks, special hand tools, and mobile extinguishing water systems with them, but they also bring a lot of international operational experience, as the state fire brigade association announced in a release.

Forest Fires in Montenegro: Fire Brigade from Lower Austria Plans Multi-Day Operation

Persistent drought and strong winds have led to massive forest and bush fires in several regions of Southeast Europe. Following calls for help through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the Lower Austrian State Fire Brigade Association has dispatched a contingent of the special service "Forest and Wildfire Fighting" to Montenegro. The "Ground Forest Fire Fighting using Vehicles" module, which is designed for firefighting in difficult terrain, is being deployed, it was stated.

The operation is planned for several days but can be extended depending on the development of the situation. Already on Tuesday evening, an advance team set off to make initial arrangements and assess the situation on site. "Our forces are highly trained to fight vegetation fires even under the most difficult conditions," emphasized state fire brigade commander Dietmar Fahrafellner. Other countries such as Serbia, Croatia, and Italy are also supporting the firefighting efforts.

Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) offered the support of Austrian helpers in fighting the flames during his visit to Montenegro on Tuesday. "Thanks to the professional work of our forces, we are making a concrete contribution to containing the forest fires on site and protecting human lives," Stocker said in a release on Wednesday. The firefighters "are always on hand, not only with us in Lower Austria but everywhere help is needed," emphasized Lower Austria's Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner (ÖVP). Deputy Governor Stephan Pernkopf (ÖVP) pointed out investments in special training and special equipment such as forest fire vehicles and deployment containers in recent years - "this helps us and across Europe."

(APA/Red)

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