Climate change and extreme climate-related events, such as droughts and heatwaves, are increasing the risk of fires in the cross-border regions of Poland and Ukraine. The growing frequency of forest and wildland fires poses a threat to people, infrastructure, and valuable ecosystems. Therefore, preventive measures and protection systems are becoming a key component of local community safety.

Thanks to the joint efforts of Programme partners,

4.66 million hectares

of the Programme area have been covered by measures aimed at protection against uncontrolled fires.

Activities implemented under the projects include the purchase of modern rescue and firefighting equipment, the upgrading of monitoring systems, training for firefighters, and educational campaigns targeting local communities. The overall objective is to enhance the preparedness of emergency services and improve the safety of both people and the environment.

Strengthening fire protection is the objective of the following projects:

• Safety4Us – strengthening civil protection systems, procurement of rescue equipment, training activities, and educational measures.
• Fire&Waterproof – improving monitoring and response to fires and floods, along with awareness-raising activities for local communities.
• ClimaResilient – enhancing the capacity of fire services to respond to forest fires and the impacts of extreme weather events.
• ClimResc – procurement of firefighting equipment and organisation of training for rescue services to increase regional resilience.
• FirePrev – developing cross-border cooperation between rescue services and implementing awareness-raising campaigns in local communities.
• FireProtection – equipping rescue units, organising joint exercises, and facilitating the exchange of experience in responding to fires and natural disasters.
• HydroGuard – improving the preparedness of rescue services for fire and flood risks through joint training and cross-border exercises.