Hungarian and Croatian firefighting compared: a mission to the University of Split

Péter Pántya of Hungary’s University of Public Service visited Split to compare firefighting formations, equipment and IT tools, including Croatia’s video surveillance system for forest fires.

From 30 June to 6 July 2024, Dr Péter Pántya of Hungary’s University of Public Service carried out a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) at the University of Split, Croatia, to examine the intervention options and technical equipment available to firefighters in wildfires.

Comparing two systems

During the week, firefighting formations and categories of technical tools and devices used in Hungary and Croatia were analysed and compared. Researchers from both universities explored novel technical, IT and data collection solutions, and identified tools missing from each country’s fire service toolbox that could enable earlier and more efficient interventions.

Fire vehicles in Split.
Fire vehicles in Split.

Site visits

Beyond working meetings at the University of Split, visits were made to the Split Fire Department and the National Firefighting Command and Coordination Centre in Divulje. Péter studied the Croatian forest fire monitoring, warning and tracking system and its integration into day-to-day operations, with a close look at the video surveillance system developed by the University of Split and used by the Croatian fire service.

Monitoring room with video surveillance feeds.
Monitoring room with video surveillance feeds.

Next steps

Both sides agreed plans for follow-up collaboration on IT support for decision-making and fire interventions, as well as academic mobility between the institutions.

Presentation at the University of Split. Photo: Ljiljana Šerić.
Presentation at the University of Split. Photo: Ljiljana Šerić.

About the grant

GranteePéter Pántya
Home institutionUniversity of Public Service, Hungary
HostFaculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FESB), University of Split, Croatia
Dates30 June – 6 July 2024
Grant typeShort-Term Scientific Mission

This grant was funded by COST Action CA22164 – European Network on Extreme Fire Behaviour (NERO), supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology).

COST

COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding agency for research and innovation networks. Our Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and enable scientists to grow their ideas by sharing them with their peers. This boosts their research, career and innovation.

Visit COST at www.cost.eu

Action Details

Action Chair: Dr. Theodore M. Giannaros
Action Vice Chair: Dr. Akli Benali
Start Date: 17 October 2024
End date: 16 October 2027
Download Action MoU