Firefighters Association launched to represent EU fire services

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

European countries formalise union for firefighters

Representatives from 21 European countries have established the European Union Firefighters’ Association, according to CTIF.

The new organisation brings together firefighter associations from across the EU, aiming to serve as a central point of contact with European institutions.

CTIF President Milan Dubravac said the new body complements rather than replaces CTIF’s role, and is referenced in its statutes.

Dubravac said: “This new organisation will primarily be the contact point for firefighters with the European Union, and CTIF will be the voice.

“I also see this as being a potentially strong boost for the activities of our Commissions and Working Groups.”

CTIF General Secretary Roman Sykora described the development as “a huge step forward for European firefighters.”

Leaders elected and organisations named

CTIF reported that the first leadership team includes President Karl-Heinz Banse (Germany), with Vice Presidents Jean-Paul Bosland (France), Ante Sanader (Croatia), Robert Mayer (Austria), and Waldemar Pawlak (Poland).

Member associations that joined the new body represent fire services from 21 countries, including Belgium, Finland, Slovenia, Poland and Spain.

Participating organisations include the Deutscher Feuerwehrverband (Germany), Fédération Nationale des Sapeurs-Pompiers de France (France), and Związek Ochotniczych Straży Pożarnych Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej (Poland).

The founding assembly was held during the 3rd European Firefighting Summit at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences, supported by Magirus GmbH and MSA Safety.

International collaboration emphasised by members

According to the founding document, the association’s creation reflects the role of fire services in EU safety policy and aims to foster cross-border cooperation.

Karl-Heinz Banse said: “This association will represent firefighters across the EU in Brussels and Strasbourg, ensuring their interests are effectively advocated, emerging challenges are addressed early, and decisions are influenced proactively.

“International cooperation among fire departments is not just an option – it’s a necessity.

“In an increasingly connected world, disasters and emergencies know no borders.”

Jean-Paul Bosland said: “Today marks a milestone in the history of European firefighting.

“The establishment of the European Union Firefighters’ Association is a true step forward for our collaboration – we are strengthening our connections and speaking with one voice on behalf of all firefighters in the Union.

“This is a real paradigm shift: 21 countries, nearly as many languages and uniforms, united under one banner.

“I am thrilled to see this initiative come to life after 14 months of joint work with our German colleagues.

“This is just the beginning of a long journey.”

Broader political context and ongoing goals

Lena Düpont, Member of the European Parliament, welcomed the creation of the association, as reported by CTIF.

Düpont said: “The world is changing, and with it comes a great responsibility for firefighters.

“They are providing a European response to today’s challenges – this embodies the core of European unity.”

Robert Mayer added: “The creation of the European Firefighters’ Association is a significant milestone in strengthening connections and will give firefighters a strong voice at the European level.

“Firefighters are not lone warriors – they are team players.

“Good international cooperation was the foundation of this new association, which has now been officially established after months of work.

“The presence of 21 nations at the founding assembly is a powerful sign of unity and shared direction within the European Union.

“I am incredibly proud to be part of this as a representative of Austrian firefighters.”

Waldemar Pawlak stated: “In times of war, disrupted global cooperation, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, European firefighting collaboration is more crucial than ever.

“Common standards, experience-sharing, youth engagement, and technical harmonisation form the stable foundation of a resilient society.

“It is my personal mission to promote cross-border exchange, build strong networks, and effectively represent firefighters’ interests at the European level.

“Only together can we develop the best solutions and put them into practice – for the benefit of our citizens.”

Firefighters Association launched to represent EU fire services: Summary

Representatives from 21 European countries have established the European Union Firefighters’ Association.

The association was formed during the 3rd European Firefighting Summit.

CTIF reported that the association will engage with EU institutions on behalf of firefighters.

Karl-Heinz Banse from Germany was elected President of the new body.

Vice Presidents include representatives from France, Croatia, Austria and Poland.

CTIF President Milan Dubravac said the association complements CTIF’s existing role.

Member organisations come from countries including Belgium, Finland, Poland and Spain.

The founding document outlines the association’s role in EU safety and cooperation.

Jean-Paul Bosland described the initiative as a unifying step after 14 months of preparation.

Lena Düpont MEP welcomed the creation of the association in a public statement.

Robert Mayer and Waldemar Pawlak highlighted cross-border collaboration as a central aim.

European fire safety organisations urge EU Commissioner-designate to prioritise fire safety

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsSafety

Fire Safe Europe and others call for fire safety in EU energy and housing agenda

As reported by Fire Safe Europe, three European fire safety organisations have jointly called on Dan Jørgensen, the European Commissioner-designate for Energy and Housing, to prioritise fire safety as part of Europe’s energy and housing policies.

In a letter addressed to Jørgensen, Fire Safe Europe, the European Fire Safety Alliance (EuroFSA), and FEEDS emphasised the importance of embedding fire safety into the EU’s decarbonisation and sustainability agenda.

They expressed concern that efforts to improve energy efficiency through technologies such as EV charging stations, photovoltaic panels, and battery storage systems could pose increased fire risks without proper safety measures.

The organisations stressed: “Energy-efficient buildings must be fire-safe buildings.”

Urgent need to integrate fire safety into EU policies

The letter pointed out that the integration of fire safety into energy and housing policies is critical to protecting lives, preventing economic losses, and ensuring the effectiveness of the EU’s decarbonisation efforts.

The organisations have developed a European Fire Safety Strategy, which outlines practical measures for enhancing fire safety across Europe.

This strategy has been supported by multiple MEPs, including Niels Fuglsang and Sean Kelly.

They urged Jørgensen to consider the strategy as a key component of his policy objectives, saying: “By embedding fire safety into your agenda, you will ensure that Europe’s buildings not only meet sustainability targets but are also resilient and safe.”

Collaboration offered by fire safety groups

In their letter, Fire Safe Europe, EuroFSA, and FEEDS expressed their willingness to assist the Commissioner-designate in developing policies that incorporate fire safety.

They stated their readiness to meet with Jørgensen or his team to discuss how fire safety can be integrated into his strategic objectives for energy and housing.

The letter concluded with a request for a meeting to further explore how fire safety can be made a priority, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts across Europe to ensure both sustainability and safety in the building sector.

Support from European Parliament members

The organisations pointed out that their approach aligns with the wider goals of sustainability and safety across the EU.

In particular, their European Fire Safety Strategy is supported by a broad cross-section of the European Parliament, indicating the strong political backing for integrating fire safety into the EU’s energy and housing agenda.

They concluded by urging Jørgensen to consider the strategy as part of his work and expressed their commitment to supporting his team in any capacity necessary to advance fire safety objectives.

European fire safety organisations call for fire safety prioritisation: Summary

Fire Safe Europe, EuroFSA, and FEEDS have written to Dan Jørgensen, the European Commissioner-designate for Energy and Housing, calling for fire safety to be embedded in the EU’s energy and housing policies.

The letter warns that technologies used to enhance energy efficiency, such as EV charging stations and photovoltaic panels, could increase fire risks if safety measures are not included in the EU’s sustainability efforts.

The organisations have developed a European Fire Safety Strategy supported by MEPs and offered their collaboration to help Jørgensen incorporate fire safety into his strategic priorities.

They emphasised that energy-efficient buildings must also be fire-safe buildings.

EU enhances building fire safety and energy efficiency with EPBD revision

by Featured NewsSafety

The European Union has recently finalised an agreement updating the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), under the Spanish Presidency of the Council.

This revision marks a significant step in enhancing building safety and energy efficiency across the EU.

Updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive addresses fire safety challenges

Fire Safe Europe has lauded the revised EPBD as a critical step forward in the ongoing efforts to improve building safety and energy efficiency within the EU.

The revision particularly addresses the challenges brought about by the electrification of buildings.

Notably, Recital 28e of the revision recognises the heightened fire safety risks associated with the integration of technologies like heat pumps, solar installations, and electric vehicle charging points.

New mandates for improved fire safety measures in car parks

The EPBD revision introduces new mandates for both the European Commission and Member States to bolster fire safety measures.

A significant aspect is the guidance on fire safety in car parks, which the Commission is expected to publish by the end of 2025 (Article 12, Paragraph 8).

Concurrently, Article 26, Paragraph 3 calls on Member States to provide comprehensive training and guidance on fire safety.

EPBD revision: Sustainable fire safety integral in renovations and new constructions

The revised EPBD continues to emphasise fire safety in both renovation projects and new building constructions.

It insists on maintaining strict fire safety measures throughout various building projects, from the initial design phase to extensive renovations, as highlighted in Articles 7 and 8.

Eugenio Quintieri remarked: “We welcome the EPBD revision as a progressive step in building safety.

However, it will be crucial to monitor the EPBD implementation to make sure that fire safety is taken in due consideration while making EU buildings more energy-efficient.”

In addition to these fire safety updates, the EPBD revision aligns with the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ package.

Adopted on 15 December 2021, it aims for a zero-emission building stock by 2050, introducing definitions like ‘zero-emission building’ and refining others such as ‘nearly-zero energy building’ (nZEB) and ‘deep renovation’.

The Commission proposes that all new EU buildings must be zero-emission by 2030, with public buildings meeting this standard by 2027.

Moreover, it seeks to increase renovation rates for the worst-performing buildings by introducing minimum EU-level efficiency standards​​.

The European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on this strengthened directive on 7 December 2023.

This agreement supports the EU’s efforts to reduce emissions and energy use in buildings, focusing particularly on the worst-performing buildings​​.

IFSJ Comment

The EPBD revision is a substantial move towards aligning fire safety with the evolving needs of modern buildings, particularly in the context of increasing electrification.

The inclusion of specific mandates for car park fire safety and the emphasis on fire safety in both renovations and new constructions reflect a comprehensive approach to fire safety.

The EU’s commitment to transitioning towards zero-emission buildings by 2030, as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package, also indicates a strong synergy between environmental sustainability and building safety.

Monitoring the implementation of these revisions will be key to ensuring that these dual objectives of fire safety and energy efficiency are met effectively.

EU wildfires in 2022: Second-worst year to date

by Featured NewsWildland Fire

In 2022, the European Union (EU) experienced its second-worst year for wildfires, raising alarm over the escalating impacts of climate change.

A significant area, comparable in size to Corsica, was ravaged by fires across the EU.

The Joint Research Centre’s latest report highlights this environmental calamity, accentuating the persistent threat of wildfires in the region.

EU wildfire’s Devastating toll on land and biodiversity

The report revealed that nearly 900,000 hectares of land were scorched in 2022, including approximately 365,000 hectares within the Natura 2000 sites.

This figure represents the highest amount of burnt land in Natura 2000 protected areas in a decade.

The toll on these critical biodiversity reserves underscores the widespread nature of the wildfires.

Human actions and climate change: A perilous combination

Human activities have been identified as the primary cause of these wildfires, accounting for 96% of the incidents.

Climate change exacerbates the situation by creating more favourable conditions for fires to ignite and spread.

This deadly combination poses a significant threat to both the environment and human safety.

Prevention and management efforts

Despite these challenges, the EU has implemented effective prevention measures and firefighting strategies, which have successfully contained the number of casualties.

The EU Nature Restoration Law and the Forest Monitoring Law proposals are among the initiatives aimed at improving Europe’s ecosystem resilience and forest data accuracy, crucial for better wildfire management.

Global perspective on wildfire trends

The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires are not confined to Europe.

In recent years, regions like Chile, Canada, California, Australia, and South America have also experienced significant wildfire activity, often surpassing traditional patterns.

EFFIS: A key tool in wildfire management

The European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) has been instrumental in providing harmonised information on forest fires and assessing their effects across Europe.

Since its inception as a pilot project, EFFIS has expanded to include 43 countries, offering a platform for exchanging best practices in fire management.

EU’s strategic approach to wildfire mitigation

The EU’s Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change and the Forest Strategy are central to its approach in mitigating wildfire impacts.

These strategies focus on enhancing fire prevention, climate resilience, and monitoring capabilities.

The guidelines emphasise vegetation management and reducing human-caused wildfire ignitions as key strategies.

Strengthening EU’s firefighting capabilities

In response to the escalating wildfire crisis, the EU has bolstered its Union Civil Protection Mechanism to augment aerial firefighting resources.

This enhancement, coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre, reflects the EU’s commitment to strengthening its response to wildfire emergencies.

Commissioner Ivanova’s remarks

Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, responsible for the JRC, commented: “Wildfires are becoming ever more frequent and cause more damage.

“This is a clear sign of the catastrophic impacts of climate change. We are reinforcing our prevention measures and building the capacities to respond to wildfires.

“The Joint Research Centre’s data and analyses are crucial in this effort.”

IFSJ Comment

The EU’s wildfire crisis in 2022 serves as a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by climate change.

The frequency and severity of these fires devastate ecosystems and biodiversity and have profound economic and human costs.

The EU’s proactive approach, emphasising prevention, preparedness, and enhanced firefighting capabilities, is commendable.

However, the broader implications of these wildfires on global environmental health and safety cannot be overstated.

As the world grapples with the realities of a changing climate, the lessons learned and strategies developed by the EU will be invaluable for global wildfire management.

EU mobilises to join fight against Portugal forest fires

by Featured NewsIndustry SectorsWildland Fire

The European Commission has deployed two firefighting airplanes to support Portugal with the country’s ongoing wildfire emergency.

Following a request for assistance, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism facilitated the immediate pre-positioning and then deployment of two Canadairs from Greece, which are currently operating in the most affected districts in northern Portugal.

On this occasion, Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said: “As wildfires continue to threaten people and resources across our continent, we need to stay alert and ready to deploy assistance as rapidly as possible from fire breakouts. We stand in solidarity with Portugal facing this emergency and have mobilised planes from Greece who are putting European solidarity into action.” 

The EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre is in close contact with Portuguese authorities to support the coordination of firefighting operations in the area and mobilise further assistance in case of need.

In addition, the EU’s Copernicus satellite service has been activated to collect data vital to first responders on the areas burned. 

Slovenia calls in assistance as forest fires break out near Italian border

by ActiveBreaking News

Slovenia has requested assistance to tackle forest fires in the Karst of Gorica region of the Miren Kostanjevica municipality. The fires forced the evacuation of three villages.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism is providing Slovenia with 3 firefighting helicopters, (one from Austria, one from Croatia, and one from Slovakia), and a Croatian forest fire fighting team, consisting of 4 trucks and 9 firefighters.

an amphibious firefighting plane from the rescEU reserve stationed in Croatia has been deployed.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “This is, no doubt, one of the biggest wildfires in the history of Slovenia. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Croatia, Austria, and Slovakia. Their help via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to Slovenia, my home country, is deeply appreciated. This is EU solidarity at its best.

“At the same time and in view of ever more devastating impacts of climate change, which we are currently witnessing across Europe, I reiterate the need for immediate action at every level across the sectors in every Member State, with support of the EU, as to strengthen our response capacities but foremost preparedness to prevent the worst.”

EU Civil Protection Mechanism

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism strengthens cooperation between and among Member States and Participating States in the field of civil protection, with a view to improving prevention, preparedness, and response to disasters.

When the scale of an emergency overwhelms the response capabilities of a country, it can request assistance via the Mechanism. 

To date, all EU Member States participate in the Mechanism, as well as Iceland, Norway, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Turkey.