Climate change has led to more frequent and more severe fires, which makes putting them out difficult. It is rare that we get the chance to hear about voluntary firefighting societies in Serbia with highly organised and active women’s sections, because in most such societies, women take part on an individual basis. Effective protection of forests and increase of forest biomass, combined with engaging women in firefighting activities, could make a significant impact on combating climate change and reducing CO₂ emissions. Active involvement of women in firefighting helps in various ways to prevent fires and to respond to them efficiently, thus protecting our communities and ecosystems.

Firefighting Society VFS Kraljevo is one of those that have recognised the importance of organised actions and established a women’s section. Some of these ladies are also members of the project team “Forests without Fires”. We spoke to them and learned more about their dedication and motivation to fight wholeheartedly for the conservation of nature.

Mirjana Prodanović, member of the women’s section of the Voluntary Firefighting Society (VFS) Kraljevo, points out that the women’s section has been growing continuously, that they hold regular monthly meetings to analyse activities conducted during the previous period, to plan future projects and work on improving the voluntary firefighting sector.

“Our work is primarily focused on improving the conditions for effective operation in the event of fire, as well as on educating and informing the wider public, especially the youth, with the aim of increasing safety and reducing risks of fire”, Prodanović said. She added that in addition to preventive firefighting activities, the women’s section was also dealing with social projects that include environmental protection, promotion and preservation of the city’s cultural heritage, as well as environmental education of youth. The project “Forests without Fires”, in line with their activities, includes practical fire drills, training new members and constructing water reservoirs in areas where there is a high risk of fires. In addition to this, by organising environmental activities for youth and demarcation of informational and educational tracks, they raise awareness of the importance of forest protection and volunteering.

VFS Kraljevo has been successfully breaking stereotypes about women in firefighting and demonstrating that these biases can change. Prodanović explains, “Firefighting is traditionally seen as a male occupation, which is why there are few women firefighters in Serbia. However, VFS Kraljevo emphasises the importance of gender equality and engaging women in all aspect of firefighting. The City Firefighting Association of Kraljevo includes 67 female members, 19 of which are capacitated to work in firefighting units. The remaining female members take active part in education, preparation and implementation of various projects, as well as in advocating for improving public policies for better protection against fires and fire prevention. Ten of our members have completed first aid training in order to be able to provide support during natural disasters and hazardous climate events. We also have 19 firefighting officers and two senior firefighting officers”, she pointed out.

According to Mirjana Prodanović, member of the women’s section, “Our role is comprehensive. We do our best to make our contribution in every situation, not only during crisis, but to also to serve as educators and support the community throughout the entire process. We are proud of our work and the contribution we make to ensure security and protection for everyone.” Through the implementation of this project, VFS Kraljevo not only helps protect the forests and biodiversity, but also improves the cooperation between voluntary firefighting societies and competent ministries with the purpose of advocating the introduction of fire safety measures in national strategic documents. “Members of the women’s sections of firefighting societies are often faced with biases claiming that firefighting is not a women’s profession. Many fail to recognise the role and potential of women in this line of work, which only shows how important it is to keep working on breaking these stereotypes”, Mirjana says.

She points out that support to women in firefighting could be given through changes in the education system, motivation and work culture, and that every individual is important in the protection system. VFS Kraljevo has launched a campaign for promoting voluntary firefighting among the youth, especially among sportspersons who are already physically capable and possess the spirit of volunteering. In doing so, they provide them not only with professional training, but also with an opportunity to join all aspects of firefighting on an equal basis. This also breaks stereotypes that firefighting is an exclusively male profession, and creates space for greater engagement of women in this important line of work.

President of the women’s section, Katarina Dimitrijević, clarified that VFS Kraljevo has established a separate women’s section that, despite being a separate organisational unit, collaborates closely with voluntary firefighting units. Their joint work contributes to identification of key issues and improving the conditions for a more effective protection against fire.

An interesting fact about the women’s section of VFS Kraljevo is that its work has significantly improved this entire organisation. Whereas the firefighters provided expertise in fire safety and prevention, members of the women’s section introduced project financing and they have enhanced cooperation with the local and national decision-makers. Their contribution has resulted in the improvement of public policies, securement of funds for technology and logistics and the expansion of educational activities for children and youth. Their moto “At least one fire less!” perfectly reflects their efforts in raising awareness and fire prevention.

When it comes to prevention of wildfires, Katarina emphasises that a joint action is required. Every citizen should be informed and take active participation in education on fire prevention, they should properly dispose of flammable substances, use fire in a safe manner and support local initiatives. It is important to take part in local forestation and forest maintenance activities, as well as to support firefighting units and report suspicious activities. With this joint effort and responsible behaviour, we can significantly reduce the risk of wildfires and protect our forests and our communities.

President of this women’s section concludes by saying that working in firefighting offers a sense of profound satisfaction stemming from responsibility and helping the community. The challenges that come with this line of work make it exciting and motivating. She adds that the most important ways of offering support or joining are engagement in local voluntary firefighting societies, provision of logistics support and participation in trainings and activities that contribute to the safety of the community.