Volunteer firefighters’ role in community safety emphasised at international meeting

The CTIF (International Technical Committee for the Prevention and Extinction of Fire) Commission for Volunteer Firefighters recently held its 10th meeting on the island of Hydra, hosted by the Hellenic Volunteer Firefighter Association.

This event, occurring from October 16-19, brought together 22 participants from 12 countries to address the current challenges faced by fire departments globally.

The discussions centred on the evolving demands of climate change on firefighting techniques, technology, and training.

The assembly also explored the motivation and retention of volunteer firefighters through the lens of scientific research from Holland and Greece.

Addressing the impact of climate change on firefighting

Climate change’s impact on firefighting efforts was a primary focus, with the commission examining how volunteer departments must adapt to increasingly severe weather conditions.

“The meeting focused on the impact of climate change on the work of fire departments.

How do volunteer fire departments have to adapt to the changed climatic conditions?” shared a spokesperson for the commission.

This included a review of technological advancements, tactical approaches, and the necessary evolution of training protocols to meet these new challenges.

Support for volunteer firefighters in Ukraine

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the support for volunteer firefighters in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.

Earlier this year, firefighting associations from Germany, Austria, and Poland collaborated to assist in establishing a volunteer fire department system in Ukraine, addressing the increased demand and limited resources caused by the war.

The CTIF commission has endorsed the “Norderney-Declaration,” urging national fire department associations to support this initiative.

“Volunteer firefighters rescue, extinguish, recover, and protect citizens in their community and beyond,” the commission stated, highlighting the dedication of volunteers who serve under the added pressures of conflict.

Commitment to volunteer firefighter support

The commission’s “Hydra Statement” reaffirms the crucial role of volunteer firefighters and the need for strong associations to coordinate efforts and advocate for their interests.

It underlines the commitment to aiding the fire departments in Ukraine, sharing over a century’s worth of organizational knowledge and support to establish a self-sustaining association of volunteer firefighters in the country.

IFSJ Comment

The CTIF Commission for Volunteer Firefighters’ meeting underscores the critical role of volunteer firefighters in ensuring community safety and responding to the challenges posed by climate change.

The discussions and initiatives from this gathering reflect a collective determination to adapt and evolve in the face of these global challenges, fostering a culture of resilience and cooperation among volunteer firefighters worldwide.

The commission’s support for the volunteer firefighting efforts in Ukraine is a testament to the international firefighting community’s solidarity and commitment to aiding those in need, regardless of the circumstances.

This initiative not only aids in immediate disaster response efforts but also builds a foundation for sustainable community-based fire protection services, demonstrating the power of collaboration and shared knowledge in enhancing global fire safety standards.