16/04/2026
🚁🌿 New technology boosting wildfire protection in Ulcinj! 🔥🛡️
As part of the Interreg Euro-MED Fire Free MED – FRED project, the Protection and Rescue Service of the Municipality of Ulcinj has been equipped with an advanced DJI Matrice 350 RTK drone, along with auxiliary equipment and a dedicated workstation.
📍 Located in the southeastern coastal region of Montenegro (255 km², bordering Albania), Ulcinj faces increased wildfire risks due to its Mediterranean subtropical climate, dry conditions, and dense vegetation—especially in the Old Olive Grove, home to 86,000 olive trees, some up to 2,000 years old! 🌳
💡 How does the drone help?
1️⃣ Preventive monitoring of remote areas
👀 Surveillance of the Old Olive Grove to detect unauthorized burning of vegetation after pruning—a common cause of wildfires.
➡️ Protecting valuable natural and cultural heritage, equipment, and local communities.
2️⃣ Enhanced support during wildfire response
🔥 Thermal imaging for hotspot detection
🗺️ Real-time fire mapping
🚧 Guidance for safe evacuation routes
➡️ Improving efficiency and safety for ground teams
3️⃣ Post-fire damage assessment
📊 Detailed analysis of damage to land, property, and infrastructure
➡️ Supporting recovery planning and future prevention
👨🚒 A dedicated UAS team (team leader, pilot, observer, and data analyst) operates under standard procedures, using the FRED platform for mission planning, live data streaming, and post-mission analysis.
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