STOP FIRES

16/09/2026

GOOD NEWS!

STOP FIRES 2.0 – A NEW PHASE IN FOREST FIRE PROTECTION

Building on the experience gained through the STOP FIRES project, cross-border cooperation in forest fire protection is entering a new phase. STOP FIRES 2.0 combines early fire detection and effective response with stronger prevention, risk management and post-fire forest restoration.

The project STOP FIRES 2.0 – StrengThening Organizations in the Protection against FIRES 2.0, with PE “Vojvodinašume” as the Lead Partner, is among the projects proposed for contracting under the 2nd Call for Proposals of the Interreg VI-A IPA Hungary–Serbia Programme.

The new project responds to the increasing risk of forest fires and the impacts of climate change in the cross-border area. Its aim is to further strengthen the existing system through modern technologies, new equipment, training and the implementation of climate-adapted measures in forestry.

From early detection and prevention, through intervention, to forest restoration – STOP FIRES 2.0 continues the joint response to one of the greatest challenges facing forests today.

LEPE VESTI!

STOP FIRES 2.0 – NOVA FAZA ZAŠTITE ŠUMA OD POŽARA

Nakon iskustava stečenih kroz projekat STOP FIRES, prekogranična saradnja u zaštiti šuma od požara ulazi u novu fazu. STOP FIRES 2.0 povezuje rano otkrivanje požara i efikasno reagovanje sa snažnijom prevencijom, upravljanjem rizikom i obnovom šuma nakon požara.

Projekat STOP FIRES 2.0 – StrengThening Organizations in the Protection against FIRES 2.0, sa JP „Vojvodinašume“ kao vodećim partnerom, nalazi se među projektima predloženim za ugovaranje u okviru Drugog poziva Interreg VI-A IPA programa Mađarska–Srbija.

Novi projekat nastaje kao odgovor na sve izraženiji rizik od šumskih požara i posledice klimatskih promena u prekograničnom području. Cilj je da se postojeći sistem dodatno unapredi kroz savremene tehnologije, novu opremu, obuke i primenu mera prilagođenih klimatskim promenama u šumarstvu.

Od ranog otkrivanja i prevencije, preko intervencije, do obnove šuma – STOP FIRES 2.0 nastavlja zajednički odgovor na jedan od najvećih izazova za šume danas.

09/09/2026

RECOGNITION FOR THOSE WHO ARE ALWAYS THERE WHEN NEEDED MOST

On the occasion of the City of Subotica Day, the city’s highest recognition, the “Pro Urbe” Award, was presented to the Subotica Fire and Rescue Battalion for its dedicated work, commitment and devotion to protecting people, property and the environment.

The Subotica Fire and Rescue Battalion is directly involved in the organisation and implementation of STOP FIRES project activities through the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia – Sector for Emergency Management, one of the project partners. Their work is particularly important for fire protection in the Subotica Sands, the STOP FIRES project area in Serbia.

On behalf of the Subotica firefighters, the award was received by Deputy Commander Srđan Banjanin, who emphasised that it represents recognition of their efforts and dedication.

Their field experience, knowledge, training and rapid response make an important contribution to the partners’ joint efforts to strengthen capacities for fire prevention and response in the cross-border area. Firefighters and rescuers are ready to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whenever they are needed most.

We are proud that they are part of the STOP FIRES project team and that their knowledge and experience contribute to achieving the project’s common goals.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

PRIZNANJE ZA ONE KOJI SU UVEK TU KADA JE NAJPOTREBNIJE

Povodom Dana grada Subotice, najviše gradsko priznanje „Pro Urbe“ dodeljeno je Vatrogasno-spasilačkom bataljonu Subotica, za predan rad, požrtvovanost i posvećenost zaštiti ljudi, imovine i životne sredine.

Vatrogasno-spasilački bataljon Subotica direktno je uključen u organizaciju i sprovođenje aktivnosti STOP FIRES projekta, kroz Ministarstvo unutrašnjih poslova Republike Srbije – Sektor za vanredne situacije, jednog od projektnih partnera. Njihov rad posebno je značajan u zaštiti od požara Subotičke peščare, projektnog područja STOP FIRES projekta u Srbiji.

U ime subotičkih vatrogasaca, priznanje je primio zamenik komandanta Srđan Banjanin, ističući da ono predstavlja potvrdu da se njihov trud i posvećenost prepoznaju i cene.

Njihovo iskustvo sa terena, znanje, obučenost i brza reakcija važan su doprinos zajedničkom radu partnera na jačanju kapaciteta za prevenciju i odgovor na požare u prekograničnom području. Vatrogasci-spasioci su 24 časa dnevno, 365 dana u godini spremni da reaguju onda kada je najpotrebnije.

Ponosni smo što su upravo oni deo projektnog tima STOP FIRES i što svojim znanjem i iskustvom doprinose zajedničkim ciljevima projekta.

Čestitamo na zasluženom priznanju!

31/08/2026

27/08/2026

Let’s remember how it was… Watch the video from the 3rd field exercise organized by the project partners, Сектор за ванредне ситуације-МУП Србије and Fond za evropske poslove i razvoj AP Vojvodine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfPSHLeMhU8

Da se prisetimo kako je to bilo…Pogledajte video sa 3. terenske vežbe u organizaciji partnera na projektu Сектор за ванредне ситуације-МУП Србијеi Fond za evropske poslove i razvoj AP Vojvodine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfPSHLeMhU8

STOP FIRES-FEP vatrogasci Subotica 1

13/08/2026

THERMAL IMAGING DRONES SUPPORTING FOREST FIRE PROTECTION

KEFAG Kiskunsági Erdészeti és Faipari Zrt., the Hungarian project partner, procured thermal imaging drones through the project to enhance the monitoring of forest areas and support field teams in fire prevention and firefighting operations.

During this year’s dry summer, the drones were used in several interventions involving forest and vegetation fires, enabling faster and more accurate assessment of conditions on the ground and more efficient monitoring of fire-affected areas.

They are particularly useful after fire suppression, when thermal imaging cameras help detect remaining hotspots and areas where elevated temperatures persist. In this way, field teams can identify critical points more quickly and reduce the risk of fire re-ignition.

Thanks to their ability to rapidly survey large and difficult-to-access areas, thermal imaging drones provide valuable support both during firefighting operations and in preventive monitoring during periods of high forest fire risk.

Through the procurement of this equipment under the STOP FIRES project, KEFAG Plc. has further strengthened its capacities for timely response, monitoring of fire-affected areas, and protection of forest ecosystems.

TERMOVIZIJSKI DRONOVI U SLUŽBI ZAŠTITE ŠUMA OD POŽARA

KEFAG Kiskunsági Erdészeti és Faipari Zrt., partner iz Mađarske je nabavio u okviru projekta, dronove sa termovizijskim kamerama namenjene unapređenju nadzora šumskih područja i podršci ekipama u prevenciji i intervencijama na požarima.

Tokom ovogodišnjeg sušnog leta dronovi su korišćeni u više intervencija na šumskim požarima i požarima vegetacije, omogućavajući brže i preciznije sagledavanje stanja na terenu i efikasnije praćenje požarišta.

Posebno su korisni nakon gašenja požara, kada termovizijske kamere pomažu u otkrivanju preostalih žarišta i mesta na kojima još postoji povišena temperatura. Na taj način ekipe na terenu mogu brže da uoče kritične tačke i spreče ponovno izbijanje požara.

Zahvaljujući mogućnosti brzog pregleda velikih i teško dostupnih površina, termovizijski dronovi predstavljaju značajnu podršku kako tokom samih intervencija, tako i u preventivnom nadzoru područja u periodima visokog rizika od nastanka šumskih požara.

Nabavkom ove opreme kroz projekta STOP FIRES dodatno su unapređeni kapaciteti KEFAG Plc. za pravovremeno reagovanje, praćenje požarišta i zaštitu šumskih područja.

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26/07/2026

WHEN TECHNOLOGY PROTECTS FORESTS

A video surveillance and early wildfire detection system has been deployed, enabling continuous monitoring of forest areas and the automatic detection of smoke.

The importance of such a system was demonstrated during the wildfire that broke out in Kelebija Forest on Saturday, July 4.

The first report of the fire was received by phone at 11:40 a.m. A few minutes later, once the smoke became visible above the forest canopy, the StopFires system automatically issued its first alert at 11:53 a.m., followed by two additional alerts at 12:24 p.m. and 12:25 p.m.

By establishing this system, the capacities of PE “Vojvodinašume” for early fire detection and faster field response have been further strengthened — because in forest protection, every minute can make a crucial difference.

KADA TEHNOLOGIJA ČUVA ŠUME

U Subotičkoj peščari uspostavljen je STOP FIRES sistem za video nadzor i ranu detekciju požara, koji omogućava kontinuirano praćenje šumskih područja i automatsko prepoznavanje požara.

Koliko ovakav sistem može biti značajan u praksi, pokazao je i požar koji je izbio u Kelebijskoj šumi u subotu, 4. jula 2026. godine.

Prva informacija o požaru stigla je telefonskim putem u 11:40. Nekoliko minuta kasnije, kada je dim postao vidljiv iznad šume, STOP FIRES sistem je automatski poslao prvu dojavu u 11:53, a zatim još dve dojave u 12:24 i 12:25.

Uspostavljanjem ovog sistema dodatno su ojačani kapaciteti JP „Vojvodinašume” za rano otkrivanje požara i bržu reakciju na terenu — jer u zaštiti šuma svaki minut može napraviti ključnu razliku.

16/07/2026

THIRD TRAINING SESSION SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED WITHIN THE STOP FIRES PROJECT!

Over three days, from 10 to 12 July 2026, representatives of institutions and organizations working together to improve the prevention, detection, and response to forest fires gathered in Subotica.

Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the new fire detection and monitoring system, attend the presentation of the newly equipped firefighting vehicle, participate in expert lectures on forest protection and fire prevention, and apply their knowledge through a practical field exercise carried out in real conditions.

The final discussion confirmed that the exchange of experience, inter-institutional cooperation, and the application of modern technologies are key to more effective forest protection and faster response in emergency situations.

The STOP FIRES project continues to bring together expertise, experience, and innovation with one common goal – creating safer and more resilient forest ecosystems.

USPEŠNO ZAVRŠEN TREĆI TRENING SA VEŽBOM U OKVIRU PROJEKTA STOP FIRES!

Tokom tri dana, od 10. do 12. jula 2026. godine, u Subotici okupili su se predstavnici partnera, institucija i organizacija koje su zajednički radilI na unapređenju prevencije, detekcije i odgovora na šumske požare.

Učesnici su imali priliku da se upoznaju sa novim sistemom za ranu detekciju i nadzor požara, predstavljanjem novoopremljenog vatrogasnog vozila, stručnim predavanjima o zaštiti šuma i prevenciji požara, kao i da stečeno znanje primene tokom terenske vežbe u realnim uslovima.

Završna diskusija potvrdila je da su razmena iskustava, međuinstitucionalna saradnja i primena savremenih tehnologija ključni za efikasniju zaštitu šuma i brži odgovor u vanrednim situacijama.

Projekat STOP FIRES nastavlja da povezuje stručnost, iskustvo i inovacije sa jednim ciljem – bezbednijim i otpornijim šumskim ekosistemima.

13/07/2026

NEW EQUIPMENT FOR FASTER RESPONSE TO FOREST FIRES

In June 2026, KEFAG Kiskunsági Erdészeti és Faipari Zrt., a project partner, procured four rapid-response firefighting Skid Units designed for installation on off-road pickup vehicles.

The 500-litre units, equipped with centrifugal pumps, represent a significant improvement in capacities for rapid interventions, monitoring of burned areas, and post-fire activities in the areas managed by KEFAG.

In addition to the handover, a practical training session was organized for employees, during which participants had the opportunity to learn about equipment installation, use, tank filling, pump operation, and basic maintenance procedures.

The new rapid-response units will contribute to KEFAG’s increased readiness to respond to forest and vegetation fires, enabling faster, more efficient, and safer field operations.

NOVA OPREMA ZA BRŽU REAKCIJU NA ŠUMSKE POŽARE

Kompanija KEFAG Kiskunsági Erdészeti és Faipari Zrt. za šumarstvo i drvnu industriju Kiškunšaga, partner na projektu je u junu 2026. godine nabavila četiri brzointerventne vatrogasne jedinice tipa Skid Unit, namenjene za montažu na pikap terenska vozila.
Jedinice kapaciteta 500 litara, opremljene centrifugalni

m pumpama, predstavljaju značajno unapređenje kapaciteta za brze intervencije, nadzor opožarenih površina i aktivnosti nakon požara na područjima kojima upravlja KEFAG.

Pored primopredaje održana je i praktična obuka za zaposlene, tokom koje su učesnici imali priliku da se upoznaju sa montažom opreme, načinom korišćenja, punjenjem rezervoara, radom pumpe i osnovnim postupcima održavanja.

Nove brzointerventne jedinice doprineće većoj spremnosti KEFAG-a za reagovanje u slučaju šumskih i vegetacijskih požara, omogućavajući brži, efikasniji i bezbedniji rad na terenu.

03/07/2026

ONE MORE SPECIALIZED FIREFIGHTING VEHICLE DELIVERED

On 24 June 2026, a specialized firefighting vehicle was successfully delivered to the project partner – the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia, Sector for Emergency Management.

This new equipment represents one of the project's most significant investments, further strengthening the capacity for rapid, efficient and safe response to wildfires, particularly in hard-to-reach areas and locations exposed to increased fire risk. The modern firefighting vehicle will enhance the operational readiness of the Sector for Emergency Management and contribute to more effective protection of people, property, natural assets and the environment across the cross-border region.

This investment marks another important step towards building a more modern and resilient emergency response system, better equipped to address the growing challenges posed by climate change and the increasing risk of wildfires.

Together, we are building a safer environment and a stronger wildfire protection system.

BOGATIJI ZA JOŠ JEDNO SPECIJALIZOVANO VATROGASNO VOZILO

Dana 24. juna 2026. godine uspešno je realizovana isporuka specijalizovanog vatrogasnog vozila namenjenog projektnim partnerima - Ministarstvu unutrašnjih poslova Republike Srbije – Sektoru za vanredne situacije.

Nova oprema predstavlja jednu od najznačajnih investicija i unapređenje kapaciteta za brzo, efikasno i bezbedno reagovanje na požare, posebno u teško pristupačnim područjima i zonama povećanog rizika. Savremeno vozilo doprineće većoj operativnoj spremnosti pripadnika Sektora za vanredne situacije i efikasnijoj zaštiti ljudi, imovine, prirodnih dobara i životne sredine u prekograničnom području.

Ova investicija predstavlja važan korak ka izgradnji modernijeg i otpornijeg sistema zaštite i spasavanja, sposobnog da odgovori na izazove koje donose klimatske promene i sve učestaliji rizici od požara.

Zajedničkim delovanjem gradimo sigurnije okruženje i snažniji sistem zaštite od požara.

26/06/2026

🎥 Watch the video from the two-day field forest fire suppression exercise organized within the STOP FIRES project, which brought together experts and project partners with the aim of strengthening capacities for forest fire prevention and suppression.

The video captures the atmosphere in the field, practical training sessions, the exchange of experiences among participants, and the application of modern firefighting methods and equipment throughout the exercise.

The video report was produced and broadcast by the Hungarian national television channel M5.

📺 Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KfpmLSrn08

🎥 Pogledajte video sa dvodnevne terenske vežbe gašenja šumskih požara, održane u okviru projekta STOP FIRES, koja je okupila stručnjake i projektne partnere sa ciljem unapređenja kapaciteta za prevenciju i gašenje šumskih požara.

Video prikazuje atmosferu sa terena, praktične vežbe, razmenu iskustava među učesnicima i primenu savremenih metoda i opreme tokom obuke.

Video prilog pripremljen je i emitovan u programu mađarske nacionalne televizije M5.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KfpmLSrn08

🎥 Tekintse meg a STOP FIRES projekt keretében megrendezett kétnapos terepi erdőtűz-oltási gyakorlatról készült videót, amelyen szakemberek és projektpartnerek vettek részt azzal a céllal, hogy erősítsék az erdőtüzek megelőzéséhez és oltásához szükséges kapacitásokat.

A videó bemutatja a terepi gyakorlat hangulatát, a gyakorlati képzéseket, a résztvevők közötti tapasztalatcserét, valamint a korszerű tűzoltási módszerek és eszközök alkalmazását a gyakorlat teljes időtartama alatt.

A videóriportot az M5 magyar televíziós csatorna készítette és sugározta.

📺 Nézze meg a videót:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KfpmLSrn08