A two-day drone operation training workshop was recently held at the Jablanica Mountain Rescue Service (GSS) and in Blidinje, bringing together local rescue teams and experts to enhance emergency response capabilities. The event was organized by People in Need (PIN) and the Czech company Fly4Future, with support from the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton's Ministry of Trade, Tourism, and Environmental Protection, as well as the Municipality of Jablanica.

The workshop combined theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, offering participants a chance to develop vital drone operation skills. Fly4Future provided specialized training for members of the Jablanica Municipality Civil Protection, Konjic Municipality Civil Protection and Firefighting Service, Jablanica Mountain Rescue Service, and the Volunteer Firefighting Department of Jablanica.

For the first time, the Jablanica Mountain Rescue Service had the opportunity to work with cutting-edge drone technology designed to transform emergency response. As part of the initiative, Jablanica Municipality will receive a custom-built drone to aid in terrain reconnaissance during major forest fires.

This advanced drone will be instrumental in early fire suppression efforts, assisting in rescue missions, and delivering materials and equipment to remote areas, significantly improving operational efficiency.

During the training, participants tested a drone donated to Jablanica Municipality by the American organization Spirit of America. The program also featured live demonstrations and practical exercises led by Fly4Future experts, equipping attendees with the skills to operate drones in challenging, real-world conditions.

The workshop is part of the broader F.I.R.E.S. project (Forest Fire Early Warning System), which integrates advanced technologies like drones and smoke-sensor networks to enhance fire detection and prevention. The project, co-funded by the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton’s Ministry of Trade, Tourism, and Environmental Protection, the Municipality of Jablanica, and PIN, aims to provide a comprehensive approach to forest fire management.

This initiative is expected to significantly improve response times, prevent the spread of fires, and bolster the overall capabilities of emergency services in the region.