The public fire department in Virovitica has taken delivery of a new specialist vehicle for fighting forest and open-space fires. The vehicle, valued at 277,000 euros including VAT, replaces the department’s 24-year-old truck.
The new vehicle is equipped with a 2,500-litre water tank, a self-protection system for the cabin and chassis, and a water projector for use at greater distances. It also features two 30-metre hose reels, which are most commonly used in open-space fires.
The unit’s commander, Robert Teskera, highlighted that the vehicle has arrived at the right time. "It is smaller and significantly more agile, which will allow us easier access to hard-to-reach terrain and residential areas, of which there are more in our area," he said at the handover. He noted that, given the rise in open-space fires, the vehicle is expected to be used frequently.
The old vehicle will not be decommissioned; instead, it will be donated to the local volunteer fire brigade in Voćin.
According to the acting county fire chief, Boris Tomšić, this is the first of 15 new fire vehicles to be delivered to firefighters in Virovitia-Požega County. The deliveries, he said, are made possible thanks to the government, the county fire association, and the city of Virovitica.
The mayor of Virovitica, Ivica Kirin, stated that investment in the fire service is continuous, covering both equipment and personnel, and that the unit is equipped with a modern fleet. The deputy mayor, Bojan Mijok, noted that fire stations and volunteer brigade equipment are being renewed across the county, which is increasingly affected by severe weather.
