Strategic partnership formed between global fire and rescue organisations

In a significant development during the Delegates Assembly held in Vienna, the Comité Technique International de Prevention et d’Extinction de Feu (CTIF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South American fire brigade, Organización de Bomberos Americanos (OBA).

Shared goals to enhance the safety and wellbeing of communities

The MoU outlined the shared mission of the OBA and CTIF: “Advancing the safety and wellbeing of people through the exchange of experience and information.” Consequently, both organisations have agreed to collaborate and support each other, as specified in the MoU.

Aiming to build mutual understanding and competency

Under this partnership, both parties aim to foster trust and advance competency – a critical aspect within both organisations, pertaining to the technical proficiency of first responders dealing with emergencies. This joint effort aims to enhance prevention, protection, and response measures to fire and other emergencies.

Open communication and annual meetings

To further strengthen their partnership, the MoU states: “A representative from each partner may attend each organisation’s annual or other designated meeting on invitation by a partner for the purpose of allowing the exchange of knowledge and to aid the development and understanding of each partner’s role.”

Associate level recognition and logistical details

Both organisations recognise each other as an associate, in line with their respective constitutions. They can thus enjoy the benefits of this level of membership at no cost, with no voting rights or influence over each other’s operations. As part of their cooperative efforts, they will provide complimentary registrations to attend each other’s annual assembly, conducted in English. However, all associated costs including travel and accommodation will be the responsibility of each organisation, and neither party will incur any other expenses related to this MoU. This MoU will renew annually unless terminated by either party with a 30-day written notice.

The MoU was signed by Vice President of OBA, Juan Carlos Field, and President of CTIF, Milan Dubravac, marking a new era of collaboration and mutual support between these two prominent fire and rescue organisations.