Practical training in extinguishing peat fires in the Naudaskalns bog area

Within the framework of the project “PeatFire” (LL-00007), on May 22, training in extinguishing peat fires was organized in the territory of Naudaskalns bog, Balvi parish.

The aim of the training was to improve the professional skills of the involved services in containing and extinguishing peat fires. During the theoretical session, participants reviewed peat fire spread mechanisms, firefighting tactics, and safety requirements, while the practical exercises simulated a real-life wildfire scenario.

During the practical training, specialized equipment and techniques were demonstrated, including the deployment of a helicopter equipped with a water bucket (“Bambi Bucket”) for water delivery and firefighting operations in hard-to-reach areas. The exercises also tested water supply coordination, cooling of deep peat layers, and measures to contain the spread of fire.

Representatives from Naudaskalns Bog, the State Border Guard, the State Forest Service, as well as Lithuanian partners participated in the exercise as observers, ensuring the exchange of experience and the transfer of good practices to strengthen cross-border cooperation.