New Baltic Sea Region Fire Safety Working Group launched by Estonia

On 12 September 2024, the Estonian Rescue Board launched a Fire Safety Working Group for the Baltic Sea Region.

The creation of the working group, initiated by Estonia, was approved by the CPN Senior Experts Group and the Policy Area Secure Steering Group of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). These two key cooperation frameworks collaborate to enhance regional safety and security.

This initiative follows a string of “sub-groups” approach of PA Secure, in which working or expert groups where organised on important topics such as CBRN and volunteerism.

The primary objective of the new working group is to foster a strong network of fire safety professionals across the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). Through this network, experts aim to improve response and coordination capabilities between countries in the event of fire-related emergencies.

The working group is scheduled to hold its first in-person meeting in Tallinn, Estonia in March 2025. It is expected to address the following key issues:

• Overview of fire safety regulations across BSR countries
• Fire safety in timber buildings
• Safety concerns related to photovoltaic systems
• Risks and management of lithium-ion batteries and battery storage systems (BESS)
• Infrastructure for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
• Safety standards for underground parking for alternative drive vehicles
• The role and training of private sector fire safety professionals

This initiative underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in fire safety across the Baltic Sea Region, particularly in light of evolving technologies and alternative energy systems, where conventional fire safety and response strategies may no longer suffice.