On May 4, 2026, the “Fire Safety Day” program was successfully held in Skuodas, drawing a large crowd of local students, community members, and the municipality’s youngest residents. This preventive initiative is an integral part of an international project designed to raise public preparedness for emergencies, introduce the firefighting profession, and expand ecological knowledge. The event was organized as part of a joint project between the Skuodas District Municipality of the Republic of Lithuania and the Dienvidkurzeme Municipality of the Republic of Latvia, titled “Cooperation among fire guard services in order to strengthen disaster risk prevention and management on the border of Latvia and Lithuania” (Project No. LL-00228). Its objective is to create a shared model for fire prevention, operational response, and public education on both sides of the border.
To ensure maximum educational efficiency, the day’s activities were purposefully structured, beginning with participant registration and the official opening ceremony. The event commenced at 10:00 AM at the Skuodas Art School (Gedimino St. 4). Following the opening remarks, attendees were invited on an intriguing journey through the world of safety and prevention. The itinerary for the day was unveiled on the spot—a dynamic route connecting the key locations of Skuodas into a seamless educational chain, where each stop promised not only valuable lessons but also eye-opening experiences.
As part of this route, the Skuodas District Tourism Information Center was transformed for a few hours into a bustling hub of ideas and ecological awareness. The “I Protect Nature” creative workshop engaged students in a deep, emotional, and visual dialogue with the environment. During these practical sessions, the youth turned into active researchers: they analyzed the tangible impact of human activity, examined devastating scenarios of ecological disasters, and explored how careless behavior in forests can spark destructive wildfires. Through creating, discussing, and problem-solving, the students discovered a fundamental truth—every citizen, even the youngest, holds the key to preserving a vibrant, green, and safe environment through their daily choices.
Meanwhile, during the “Senses in Nature” sensory education program held at the Skuodas Open Youth Center, students embarked on a unique experiential journey. They explored the environment not with their eyes, but with their heightened senses. Using specialized sensory tools, participants learned to hear the subtlest whispers of nature, smell the scent of an approaching storm, and feel changes in their surroundings. This experience served as both a nature lesson and internal training to develop psychological resilience and the ability to remain calm in unexpected, extreme situations. The sensory session revealed the mysterious fragility of the forest ecosystem, highlighted the eternal cycles of nature, and reminded everyone that each tree is a living part of the community, making its preservation a shared duty.
The Skuodas City Eldership Hall became a true security knowledge forum, where students attended an inspiring and highly dynamic meeting with industry professionals. The region’s top experts gathered for this career guidance lecture, including charismatic Skuodas firefighters, civil protection specialists from the Klaipėda Fire Protection and Rescue Department, an insightful Kretinga preparedness officer, and the Klaipėda District chief specialist responsible for civil protection. This authoritative team vividly and impressively presented two fundamental pillars of state and citizen strength: civil protection and fire safety.
During the meeting, the officials emphasized that these professions are not just jobs, but vital guarantees for the security of the state and every individual. They sincerely and enthusiastically invited the younger generation to explore these specialized fields closely, showing them how theoretical knowledge translates into saving real lives. The field leaders presented the noble and responsible profession of firefighting and outlined clear insights into the complex specifics of operational actions along the strategically important border section. The officials openly shared their breathtaking experiences from real emergency operations, where every second requires a calm mind and iron discipline. Additionally, the youth received a clear, motivating guide outlining the requirements that brave individuals must meet to join these services. It was more than just a lecture—it was a lively, inspiring invitation to become future creators of security, reminding everyone that true professionalism in these fields is born out of dedication.
At the practical stop at the Skuodas District Fire Service (P. Cvirkos St. 14), participants took part in an inspection of fire and rescue equipment, where they were shown real operational gear. Children and adults had the opportunity to see firefighting apparatus and specialized rescue equipment up close, while learning about their operational principles.
Simultaneously, the space near the Skuodas Art School briefly transformed into a lively hub of childhood laughter and creative energy. The youngest participants of the event enjoyed the exciting “I Protect Nature” creative workshop. Professional animators prepared a dynamic and engaging game program for the little ones. Utilizing charismatic characters, interactive tasks, and fairy-tale motifs, they skillfully turned serious rules into easy-to-understand games. Through laughter and shared challenges, the children not only had fun but also naturally memorized key lessons about fire safety.
Down at P. Cvirkos St. 14, the children also participated in “Exercise with a Twist,” an active physical training session. Through sports and games, the little ones developed endurance, quick reflexes, and teamwork—essential qualities for firefighters and rescuers alike.
Following these activities, all kindergarten and primary school children returned to the Skuodas Art School to participate in joint creative tasks and capture memories during a special photo session. The festive Fire Safety Day concluded with official closing awards for both groups, where the most active participants received symbolic project prizes and educational materials.
Stasys Gutautas, Mayor of the Skuodas District Municipality, noted that such comprehensive theoretical and practical education for the younger generation directly aligns with the program’s goals. He emphasized that investing in children’s awareness is the most reliable
