Life-saving innovation: Drones enable rapid detection of forest fires in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Published: Apr 28, 2025 Reading time: 3 minutes Share: Share an articleIn Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, forest fires seriously threaten nature, property, and human lives every year. We introduced new technology that will transform how emergency services respond to fire. The Municipality of Jablanica and the City of Konjic have received their first specialised drones for the early detection and suppression of wildfires through the pilot project F.I.R.E.S. (Forefront Initiative for Rapid Early Suppression - Early Warning of Forest Fires).
The drones, developed by the Czech company Fly4Future, are specifically designed for challenging terrains where traditional firefighting methods often encounter significant obstacles.
The drones, equipped with high-resolution thermal cameras, enable rapid detection of fire—often not immediately visible from the ground— and provide detailed terrain analysis for safer operational planning and allow for post-fire monitoring to prevent re-ignition.
One of the drones stands out with its ability to transport up to 10 kilogrammes of equipment, making it possible to deliver critical gear and supplies to firefighters operating in hard-to-reach areas.
Training: a step into a new reality of fire protection
Fly4Future and People in Need in Bosnia and Herzegovina organised specialised training for operators to ensure the correct and efficient use of the new technology.
Representatives from civil protection services, mountain rescue teams, and fire brigades from Jablanica, Konjic, Čitluk, and Trebinje participated in the training. Hands-on exercises taught them how to operate the drones, analyse thermal imaging data, and navigate various drone control commands.
Why are these drones important for Jablanica and Konjic?
The areas of Jablanica and Konjic are characterised by demanding mountainous landscapes, dense forests, and remote terrains where wildfires pose a frequent and severe threat.
Looking ahead
The F.I.R.E.S. project represents an innovative pilot initiative for preventing and suppressing wildfires in Bosnia and Herzegovina and across the broader Western Balkans region.
The experience gained in this initial phase will serve as a foundation for future improvements to civil protection systems and the potential broader application of new technologies across the region.
Investing in early warning systems, advanced surveillance methods, and innovative solutions such as drones is crucial to protecting human lives, property, and natural resources in the context of increasingly severe climate change impacts.
These first drones deployed in Jablanica and Konjic are not merely technological tools—they represent the beginning of a new approach to community safety and resilience.
The project is financially supported from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, the Municipality of Jablanica, and in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Environmental Protection of HNC, the City of Trebinje, and the Municipality of Čitluk.
