12th October 2026
How can firefighting units maintain essential operations when major emergencies disrupt the systems they rely on?
In this latest ECHO blog post, the Slovenian Firefighters Association (GZS) explores the key elements of operational resilience, from communications and power supplies to personnel, fuel, logistics and mutual assistance.
Major emergencies generally affect not only an individual building or area, but also the systems on which firefighting units depend. Floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and other prolonged emergencies can disrupt communications, electricity supplies, fuel deliveries and transport links. Operational resilience, therefore, refers to a unit’s ability to maintain its essential functions despite disruptions, adapt to changing conditions, and sustain operations over several days.
Telecommunications
Radio communication is a fundamental operational tool, but resilient communications require several independent channels. During a major emergency, radio systems, mobile networks and data connections may all become overloaded simultaneously. Base stations and repeaters may be damaged or lose their power supply, while terrain and buildings can further restrict coverage.
Firefighting units must be familiar with areas of poor reception, designated backup channels, and procedures for switching to direct radio communication if repeaters fail. In addition to the primary system, each unit requires an alternative system and an emergency solution. This includes spare batteries, backup power for chargers, access to radio programming settings, and contact lists in both electronic and printed form.
Relying on a single channel to alert personnel poses a particular risk; if mobilisation depends primarily on a mobile network or application, an alternative method must be established in advance. This may include radio paging, sirens, telephone call trees, in-person notification, or a combination of these solutions. Satellite terminals and mobile base stations are useful only if they are incorporated into operational procedures, regularly tested and supported by appropriately trained personnel.
Electricity Supply
During a major emergency, a fire station may become a local hub for command, logistics, and support to the community. A power outage can therefore affect much more than lighting – it can disable communication equipment, compressors, chargers, pumps, heating, ventilation, security systems, and electrically operated appliance-bay doors.
A backup power plan must identify priority electrical loads. An uninterruptible power supply is primarily intended to bridge the period until a generator starts, rather than to provide long-term power for the entire building. The generator must be appropriately sized, safely connected, and protected against flooding, fire, and unauthorised access. The unit should conduct periodic tests under actual load, as running a generator without connected loads does not demonstrate whether the system will function reliably under real operating conditions.
Fuel Supply
Fuel is essential for fire appliances, generators, portable pumps, boats and other equipment. During a prolonged emergency, consumption can increase rapidly, while filling stations may be closed, without electricity, or inaccessible.
Each unit must estimate its fuel consumption under demanding scenarios and establish a minimum operational reserve. Fuel must be stored safely and legally, properly recorded, and regularly rotated to prevent deterioration. Arrangements with several suppliers, the possibility of delivery directly to the incident site, and procedures for prioritising emergency vehicles are particularly valuable. Consumption must be monitored continuously, and resupply requested before stocks reach a critical level.
Personnel Availability and Workforce Resilience
The number of registered members does not necessarily reflect the number of firefighters who are available, medically fit, appropriately trained, and/or properly equipped at a particular time. Some volunteer firefighters work outside their local area, while others may themselves be affected by the emergency. Prolonged operations also reduce availability because of fatigue, injuries, and the need to restore or replace equipment.
Units must know how many drivers, commanders, pump operators, first-aiders, breathing-apparatus wearers, and other specialists are available, as well as who can replace them. For prolonged incidents, shifts, minimum rest periods, rehabilitation, food, hydration, replacement of contaminated equipment and psychosocial support must be planned in advance. A proportion of command personnel and specialists should be reserved for the next operational period. If a critical role depends on only one person, the unit lacks genuine redundancy.
Logistics, Information and Mutual Assistance
Major emergencies require a continuous supply of hoses, fittings, breathing-air cylinders, personal protective equipment, batteries, food, drinking water, and spare parts. The locations of supplies, responsible personnel, issue procedures and resupply routes must be determined in advance.
Plans, maps, contact details, hydrant information, and equipment inventories must remain accessible even without a network connection. The ECHO project’s approach, which emphasises knowledge sharing, agreed protocols, and a common overview of available capabilities, is therefore also relevant to Slovenian firefighting organisations. Resilience is built not only through equipment but, above all, through planning, training, cooperation and the regular testing of operational preparedness.
