High temperatures and dry vegetation regularly turn Podgorica's summer into a training ground for fighting fires. Having learned from the experience of previous years, the Protection and Rescue Service emphasizes that preparations are in the final phase. Training has been completed - the focus is on completing equipment and uniforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"The final completion of the tender is underway, the procurement of work uniforms as well as specialized uniforms for approaching open fires and forest fires. The equipment has been serviced, all vehicles at the service's disposal are in working order. So now we are focusing on announcing the tender, that is, the announcement of a competition for the recruitment of new seasonal firefighters,\" said Haris Sijari\u0107 from the Protection and Rescue Service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although they currently have around 75 operatives, the Service needs additional resources, which they will fill with seasonal workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"We always try to employ 25 seasonal workers during the season, who we immediately put on standby. Also, the shifts and organization are modified in such a way that we try to cover all those challenges,\" Sijari\u0107 points out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The financial support from the Capital City this year is more significant than before. The budget has been increased by one and a half million euros, which has enabled the purchase of specialized vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"We received a new vehicle, a ladder truck, which is the first in Montenegro. We also received a new vehicle for approaching forest fires. We also have a specialized uniform that is specifically designed to withstand high temperatures. So we invested more in equipment, as well as in the purchase of new vehicles, as well as the procedure and the purchase of a new off-road vehicle for approaching fires in the open,\" he emphasized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The statistics are relentless \u2013 out of 1,500 annual fires, two-thirds occur in the three summer months. Although firefighters are also there for traffic accidents and rescues at heights, in the summer the focus is solely on preserving property and lives from fire. At such times, mutual assistance from colleagues from other cities, as well as support from citizens, is crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"Our cooperation and theirs, meaning mutual cooperation, is at a high level. We always respond to help, and they respond to us, and we had it last year when we literally came to Podgorica with all the firefighters from all over Montenegro and gave our hearts and our sweat to help this city and these citizens,\" said Sijari\u0107.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although a significant number of firefighters have retired, the staff has been rejuvenated with 15 new ones. Relief is also expected when the municipalities of Tuzi and Zeta form independent services, which will allow Podgorica firefighters to fully dedicate themselves to protecting the Capital City area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n