Nearly double the budget for firefighters in Podgorica: 1,72 million euros for new vehicles and equipment

The operational budget of the Fire and Rescue Service of the Capital City will amount to 2.519.300 euros in 2026, while the capital budget for the procurement of vehicles and equipment has been increased to 1.720.000 euros, almost double compared to 2025. This, as Commander Nikola Bojanović said for the ETV Portal, ensures stable conditions for the uninterrupted functioning of the service.

- Podgorica enters 2026 with a significantly strengthened and modernized Fire and Rescue Service, which today represents one of the most organized and equipped protection systems in Montenegro. The substantial increase in the capital budget for purchasing equipment and vehicles clearly confirms the Capital City’s strategic commitment to making citizens' safety one of its key priorities - Bojanović emphasized.

Reflecting on the past year, Bojanović reminded that, according to the Budget Decision of the Capital City for 2025, 2.174.000 euros were allocated for operational costs and 972.900 euros for the capital budget, which was exclusively intended for the procurement of vehicles and modern equipment.

- After additional funds were redirected throughout the year, the operational budget increased to 2.445.900 euros, providing stable conditions for the uninterrupted functioning of the service – Bojanović said.

A series of significant acquisitions

He stated that this year several important capital procurements were realized, which further improved the operational readiness of the firefighters.

- Specialized fire trucks, rescue and communication equipment, technical intervention gear, and modern devices necessary for responding to the most demanding situations were purchased - Bojanović highlighted.

He added that the procedure for procuring an aerial ladder truck was fully completed and that this crucial vehicle will be operational right after the New Year. 

- This is the first vehicle of its kind to arrive in Montenegro, setting new standards in the field of protection and rescue in Podgorica. With this purchase, the Capital City once again demonstrated its readiness to provide the best possible equipment for Podgorica firefighters, which is why the Fire and Rescue Service is now rightly considered the most equipped service in the country. In terms of technical readiness, organization, and preparedness, even much larger systems, including some services in EU countries, could envy it - Bojanović emphasized.

At the same time, he mentioned that procedures for procuring additional fire trucks and uniforms for forest fire interventions are underway, and in the coming period procurement of vehicles for technical interventions will begin, continuing the ongoing strengthening of the service’s capacity.

Bojanović pointed out that the results of years of systematic work are clearly visible.

- From the moment I took over the leadership of the service, a strong investment and reform cycle was initiated, covering the procurement of equipment and vehicles, the reconstruction of buildings, intensive firefighter training, the recruitment of new members, and the expansion of the systemization to strengthen capacity. The service has undergone a complete renaissance and today represents the leading protection and rescue system in every sense of the word. This was best confirmed during the 2025 fire season, which was the most challenging, to which we responded decisively, organized, and effectively - Bojanović emphasized.

Strengthening capacities

The Capital City also announced that it will continue strong investments in the modernization and strengthening of the Fire and Rescue Service’s capacities, aiming to keep and further strengthen Podgorica's position as the city with the strongest and most modern protection and rescue system in Montenegro, and even more broadly in the region.

Podgorica Mayor Saša Mujović emphasized that a strong, modernly equipped, and well-organized Fire and Rescue Service is the foundation of every city’s safety.

- The Capital City has recognized the importance of continuous investments in people, equipment, and infrastructure, which is why we can proudly say that Podgorica has the most equipped and most prepared firefighting and rescue service in Montenegro. We will continue with this responsible approach, as the safety of citizens is our absolute priority - concluded Mujović.