Forest fire drills held near Smiltene, testing ground and air response
Multiple Latvian agencies took part in forest fire response exercises in Launkalne parish, Smiltene municipality, despite the absence of major forest fires in the country in recent years.
Emergency and defence agencies carried out a joint exercise simulating a forest fire in Launkalne parish, part of Smiltene municipality. Participants included the State Forest Service, firefighters, the National Armed Forces' Air Force, and other responsible institutions.
During the drill, the services tested their ability to combat a forest fire using both ground-based methods and aerial resources, coordinating their efforts across the different branches involved.
Readiness must be maintained continuously
Officials noted that although Latvia has not experienced any major forest fires in recent years, preparedness for such an event must be maintained at all times. Exercises like this one allow different services to practice cooperation and test their response capabilities, which could prove critical should a real forest fire break out.
