BiH will seek international assistance in firefighting

(Patria) - The 84th session of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina was held in Sarajevo today.

The Council of Ministers of BiH, at the proposal of the Ministry of Security, adopted a Decision on seeking international assistance for protection and rescue in firefighting.

The supplemented decision states that international assistance will be sought only in cases where all available capacities in BiH, including fire brigades, civil protection resources, the Armed Forces of BiH, and other competent services at all levels of government, are fully engaged and when the assessment of the situation indicates that Bosnia and Herzegovina is unable to effectively respond to the threat with its own resources.

By adopting this Decision, it is possible to seek international assistance for protection and rescue, in the form of firefighting forces, equipment, and aircraft for extinguishing fires, due to the increased risk of outbreaks and spread of large fires in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Competent institutions and bodies in Bosnia and Herzegovina are obliged to carry out all necessary procedures for its reception without delay.

International assistance for firefighting can be sought from all countries with which Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed agreements and memorandums of cooperation in the field of protection and rescue, as well as through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Competent civil protection authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina receive international assistance for firefighting.

Financial resources necessary for the reception of international assistance under this decision will be provided from the current budget reserve, on which the Council of Ministers of BiH will make a separate decision.