Fire safety experts from Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia gathered in Tallinn on March 26–27 for a seminar organised by the Estonian Rescue Board as part of the Fire Safety Working Group. Established under the Council of the Baltic Sea States CPN/PA Secure last year, this was the group’s first in-person meeting.
The first day of the seminar focused on international cooperation and practical lessons learned. The second day centered on future trends in wooden construction and tools for influencing fire safety practices.
Jakob Vedsted Andersen, Head of the Copenhagen Rescue Service, presented a detailed timeline of the fire that destroyed the historic market building in Copenhagen one year ago. He outlined how the rescue operation was managed and its aftermath. He compared the fire’s impact to that of the Notre Dame Cathedral fire in Paris, emphasizing the importance of protecting cultural heritage in such events. Andersen highlighted that fire safety professionals often save lives through prevention—estimating their impact to be at least three times greater than direct rescue operations, though this often goes unrecognized.
Alar Just from Tallinn University of Technology discussed upcoming trends and introduced a new pan-European technical standard for wooden building construction set to take effect next year. Juhan-Petteri Laakso from the Finnish Association of Fire Officers shared research on the performance of fire protection sections on the upper floors of terraced houses.
Heikki Rajalo from the Safety Supervision Department presented Estonia’s digital advancements in fire safety, while Kristina Seema, an advisor in the same department, introduced the Rescue Board’s development of fire safety personas—profiles of individuals responsible for fire safety. Additionally, officers Jane Lohu, Kaire Lindepuu, Eneli Vaniko, and Gerli Pajula from the fire safety services of regional rescue centers led a workshop on interpreting regulatory tools and instruments of influence.
Participants unanimously emphasised the importance of increased regional cooperation. Due to the unique climate conditions of the Baltic Sea region, not all EU regulations can be directly applied. Enhanced communication and the exchange of proven practices across neighboring countries are essential for effective fire safety strategies.
Fire safety is a shared responsibility. The risks we face—whether in our homes, businesses, or public spaces—are remarkably similar across our countries. By working together, sharing experiences, and learning from one another, we can strengthen fire prevention, response, and public safety throughout the Baltic Sea region.
Text: Heikki Rajalo, Expert, Safety Supervision Department, Estonian Rescue Board