The training center developed within the framework of the project Cooperation for wildfires community resilience capacity building and early warning in the Black Sea Basin, is ready for operation.
Located in Çatalca Elbasan, Türkiye, the new facility is dedicated to training forest firefighting experts and volunteers. The investment included comprehensive infrastructure and equipment works designed to support both practical and physical training, as well as real emergency operations.
The training center features a concrete water pool that will be used during exercises and also serves as a water supply point for fire trucks. A running and walking track, along with a training and sports area, has been established to help firefighters maintain physical fitness and conduct regular drills. To support water sustainability, a rainwater collection tank was installed to supply the pool. Additional investments include four prefabricated containers, each with two rooms, the installation of a photovoltaic solar energy system with 16 panels, and repair works to the wire fence and entrance gate of the center.
In addition, a mobile inflatable pool with a capacity of 85 tons has been placed at the site. This pool is used for training in helicopter water collection and operation management. It will also be deployed during real wildfire emergencies to support helicopter interventions across forest areas within the project’s target territory.
The center can accommodate up to 30 participants and will primarily be used for volunteer training. The participating organization in Türkiye has recorded over 28,000 requests for firefighting training, highlighting the strong demand for capacity building in this field.
As the first firefighting training facility of its kind in the Istanbul region, the center represents a significant step toward strengthening local and international capacities for wildfire prevention and response. It contributes to the long-term protection of forests, natural resources, and agricultural lands while ensuring sustainable community resilience against wildfires.