FIRE BRIGADES WITHOUT BORDERS

The Fire Departments Without Borders (Feuerwehren grenzenlos) project served to promote cooperation between municipalities and fire brigades in the Érchegység region. The project, which was funded by Interreg and implemented between 2015 and 2018, promoted the modernization of the equipment of local fire departments and the development of cross-border civil protection, firefighting, and rescue practices. Gas pipelines, compressor stations and filling stations in the border region pose a high fire risk to the surrounding communities, which justifies the development of local fire departments.

As a result of the investment, rescue units received new fire trucks and special protective clothing for cross-border use. To facilitate communication, a joint information system has been set up between the units involved, providing professionals with a clear picture of important sites across the border, terrain conditions and the contact details of the authorities there. Expert meetings, workshops, mountain and deep rescue exercises, and competitions involving the wider public were organized. These events provided an opportunity to establish contacts between local mayors and fire departments and to formulate recommendations specifically aimed at expanding future joint activities.

In addition, through its numerous consultation events, the project played an active role in the signing of the agreement on German-Czech rescue services and in the revision of the legal framework.