Ministry of Interior: Rain helped, the system is ready to continue operating with the aim of completely neutralizing the fire

The rain additionally helped the protection and rescue system, but in the coming days the system is fully prepared to continue its operations with the aim of completely neutralizing the fire in all burned areas.

This was stated, as announced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP), at an operational meeting of the team of leaders of the Montenegrin, Austrian and Swiss fire brigades held last night, which was attended by Leo Martinon, Liaison Officer of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, as well as the Head of the Command and Operations Center of the Army of Montenegro, Colonel Hajrudin Đerekarac, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defense, Fight against Crime and Internal Policy Aleksa Bečić and the Minister of Internal Affairs Danilo Šaranović.

The Ministry of Interior said that Bečić and Šaranović visited the base of operations at the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, the Capital City Protection and Rescue Service, as well as other local services that are assisting and are directly engaged in the field last night.

"On that occasion, they spoke with Montenegrin firefighters and all the services present, as well as European partner teams, expressing personal gratitude for their exceptional dedication and dedicated work. In the premises of the Directorate for Protection and Rescue, in the presence of Vice President Bečić and Minister Šaranović, an operational meeting of the team of leaders of the Montenegrin, Austrian and Swiss fire forces was held, which was also attended by Leo Martinon, Liaison Officer of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, as well as the Head of the Command and Operations Center of the Army of Montenegro, Colonel Hajrudin Đerekarac. After analyzing today's activities, a detailed plan for continued operations was adopted. It was noted that the situation is significantly better and stabilized, but that there is no room for relaxation because high temperatures require vigilance, full focus and maximum dedication. Today's rain has additionally helped the protection and rescue system, but in the coming days the system is fully ready to continue with further operations with the aim of completely neutralizing the fire in all burned areas," the Ministry of Interior said in a statement.

The government department added that it was particularly emphasized that the Bell 212 helicopter has been operational since Sunday, which, they said, has additionally strengthened the air forces participating in extinguishing the fire, and on that occasion it was emphasized that this is the result of the serious and round-the-clock work of the mechanics of the MUP's Air-Helicopter Unit and their efforts to provide all the necessary technical prerequisites.

"This was an opportunity to reiterate once again that Montenegro, although outside the European Union, has access to the CECIS platform - as the only country in the region - which confirms the high readiness of our protection and rescue system, as well as the trust we enjoy among European partners. In terms of international support, the topic of the meeting was also the assessment of the European Parliament's permanent rapporteur for Montenegro, Marjan Šarec, who emphasized that the authorities in Montenegro have done a good job so far in fighting fires in several locations," the statement reads.

Bečić said that this is a direct result of responsible politics and the restoration of the country's reputation on the international stage.

"Joint action with European partners does not only mean immediate assistance, but also long-term strengthening of our capacities - through the exchange of knowledge, equipment and best practices. Montenegrin teams have responded to challenges side by side with European colleagues. This is the best proof that Montenegro belongs to the European family and that in the most difficult moments the true power of unity is seen. Thank you for your great effort, energy, sacrifice, dedication and rarely seen team spirit. You prove that unity conquers all adversities," said Bečić.

Šaranović pointed out that the protection and rescue system, together with all security structures, has demonstrated a high level of functionality and readiness to respond to crises of this type.

"Examples of personal sacrifice have been an inspiration to many. With the help of international partners, but also thanks to the enormous solidarity of citizens, Montenegro is today capable of facing such challenges - and is obliged to continue to strengthen its capacity and act even more responsibly," said Šaranović.