SNEP Forest Camp 2025: scientists, professional firefighters and volunteers from 25 countries come together for joint exercises and exchange of experience in fighting forest fires

 

Forest Camp  is an outstanding event of international level, which is organized by Association of independent fire experts (Stowarzyszenie Niezależnych Ekspertów Pożarnictwa-SNEP) together with The European Forest Institute (EFI) and the Pau Costa Foundation within which it was possible to combine 160 participants from25 countries and 4 continents for the common goal  — exchange of experience and dissemination of the best international practices in the training of firefighters, safety and effective control of forest fires. The event was attended by the best specialists and experts from various fields, including professional forest firefighters, representatives of voluntary fire formations, fire volunteers, Civil Defense and defense units, scientists, Foresters, hunters, farmers, mountain rescuers, search and rescue teams, youth fire brigades, pilots, boat operators and representatives of the technology industry.

 

The Ukrainian delegation was represented by 4 participants from different institutions: Vasyl HUMENYUK (NUBiP of Ukraine), Volodymyr BRAIKO (Ukrainian forest safety Center), Serhiy SYDORENKO (UkrNDILGA) and Vitaliy ROMANENKO (Ukrcentrkadrylis).

 

The program of the event was full of practical exercises to perform tasks in various conditions. Localization and elimination of fires took place using helicopters, motorboats and various ground equipment and equipment. To effectively achieve this goal, all participants were divided into 12 fire brigades, which included representatives from different countries. The format of working in small teams was especially valuable, as it allowed not only to deepen practical skills, but also to develop team interaction, which contributed to the rapid exchange of knowledge and experience between participants.

 

 

 

During the 3-day course, various scenarios and areas for the work of fire brigades were presented, where the necessary knowledge for safe and effective extinguishing of forest and other landscape fires was presented in an accessible form. All participants had the opportunity to complete express training on driving SUVs, buggies and ATVs in off-road conditions, the use of controlled piles, remote-controlled robotic equipment, as well as to get acquainted and test new professional fire-fighting equipment, appliances, rigging from various manufacturers. 

 

 

 

Separately, it is worth noting the atmosphere of «Forest Camp-2025». In addition to the intensive training program, the organizers have provided time for informal communication, joint evenings around the campfire and international networking. This has created a real sense of community of people who are genuinely interested in preserving forests and improving the effectiveness of forest and other landscape fires.

 

The SmokeD wildfire detectors: https://www.facebook.com/reel/705814698671099 

The SmokeD wildfire detectors: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1876433823153982 

Technika Ratownicza Bartosz Klich: https://www.facebook.com/reel/10046499822077422 

 

Vasyl Humenyuk, Heiðar Örn, Marco Bettoni,
Atanas Apostolov, Jaša Saražin