Dačić in Prokuplje: Firefighting service in Toplica to be strengthened with more personnel, helicopter, drones

Serbia is bolstering its firefighting capabilities in the Toplica region, with the local unit in Prokuplje receiving a new vehicle and a helicopter set to be stationed in Niš to address potential fires. This enhancement aims to improve response times and overall effectiveness in combating blazes.

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The firefighting and rescue unit in Prokuplje received one vehicle today, while a helicopter will be stationed in Niš due to possible fires in the Toplica district, and drones will also be used.

Minister of Internal Affairs Ivica Dačić highlighted the necessity of these upgrades, noting the significant damage the Toplica district sustained from fires in the previous year. He recalled that over 600 fires were reported across Serbia on July 7 alone. The Sector for Emergency Situations in the region currently comprises 81 members and 27 vehicles; the addition of a 28th vehicle and six new personnel will strengthen its capacity.

To further expedite interventions, a helicopter dedicated to firefighting will be based in Niš. Additionally, drones will be deployed for terrain observation, particularly in areas with sparse population where real-time information is crucial. Dačić also pointed out the need to establish a fire station in Žitorađa, as firefighters are currently dispatched from Prokuplje.

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The Toplica district suffered one of the biggest damages last year, and on July 7 last year, more than 600 fires were reported in the territory of Serbia.

Nationwide, the Sector for Emergency Situations plans to recruit 300 new members. Dačić stated that while the current workforce of 3,700 is substantial, the sector's needs likely require an additional two to three thousand personnel. He emphasized the importance of preventive measures and coordinated efforts among various state bodies, civil defense, the military, volunteer fire departments, businesses, and citizens.

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We have, regardless of whether someone thinks these are huge numbers, 3,700 people working in the Sector, and according to some needs, that number is certainly two to three thousand above that.