The State Fire and Rescue Service (SFS) in cooperation with the Šiauliai Region Branch of the Fire and Rescue Department of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania launched the implementation of the project “Improving cross-border cooperation in the field of peat fire prevention and response” (PeatFire, LL-00007) in February 2024 and the third stage of the project has already been completed.
This spring, a major preparatory event took place in the city of Šiauliai, where representatives of the Lithuanian and SFRS jointly developed scenarios for a tabletop exercise on peat fire management. Experts from both countries successfully collaborated in planning and analyzing the upcoming exercise. In July, a tabletop exercise was held in Daugavpils, which is one of the main activities of the PeatFire project. Its goal is to improve response capabilities in fighting peat fires. Such exercises are important not only for improving practical skills, but also for improving understanding and cross-border operational cooperation, promoting knowledge exchange, as well as improving professional skills and competencies.
In April, five SFRS officers participated in training at the Vilnius Firefighting School, where they learned tactical solutions for extinguishing peat fires, organizing rescue operations, and providing first aid together with their Lithuanian colleagues. The training also discussed current ecological issues related to extinguishing peat fires.
Simultaneously with the training, the purchase of special machinery and equipment is being implemented to ensure a more effective response to peat fires and the threats they pose. As part of the project, the SFRS has already purchased three trailers for transporting equipment and using it at the scene, three chainsaws, thermal cameras, fire hoses and dividers. In addition, an interactive display has been purchased, which will serve as an essential tool for tabletop simulations, practical training preparation and will also be used in public information and education campaigns.
The project is implemented within the framework of the Latvian-Lithuanian Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021–2027. The total project budget is EUR 686,058. The European Regional Development Fund co-financing is EUR 548,847. The project must be implemented within two years – by January 2026.
The aim of the European Regional Development Fund Interreg Latvia-Lithuania Programme 2021-2027 is to promote capacity building, people-to-people cooperation and public awareness, as well as to promote green, resilient and sustainable development. Additional information about the Latvia-Lithuania Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021-2027 is available on the website: www.latlit.eu.
