FIRE AID AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ROAD SAFETY 2025 - MOROCCO

FIRE AID AND DUBAI CIVIL DEFENCE FORGE GROUNDBREAKING PARTNERSHIP TO STRENGTHEN WILDFIRE RESPONSE IN AFRICA

FIRE AID’s Vice Chair, Claire Hoyland, recently attended the 4th Global Ministerial Meeting on Road Safety, participating in key sessions on post-crash response and enforcement.

The international conference united global road safety leaders to share best practices that have successfully reduced fatalities over the past 15 years as part of the UN Road Safety Collaboration. During the event, ministers reaffirmed their commitment to improving road safety by pledging support for the implementation of enhanced measures in their respective countries.

FIRE AID’s presence at the conference aimed to highlight the critical role of post-crash response—an often-overlooked aspect of road safety. Firefighters are frequently the first on the scene of a road crash, and their response times, equipment, and training can significantly impact a casualty’s chances of survival. By emphasizing the importance of strengthening emergency response capabilities, FIRE AID seeks to ensure that post-crash care receives the attention it deserves in global road safety discussions.

During her visit to Morocco, our Vice Chair met with UK Minister for Roads and Transport, Lillian Greenwood, and Colonel Guennon Az El Arab, Director of Aid at Moroccan Civil Protection. A key focus of their discussions was the arrival of a specialized wildfire response vehicle in Morocco. Currently awaiting registration, this state-of-the-art vehicle—sponsored by Dubai Civil Defence and manufactured by UK-based Angloco Limited—is designed to combat fires in remote and high-risk areas, significantly enhancing Morocco’s wildfire response capabilities.

In addition to wildfire management, the discussions also covered post-crash response, particularly the challenges of handling fires at road crash scenes. Knowledge-sharing initiatives were explored, focusing on how the UK can support Moroccan Civil Protection in strengthening their emergency response strategies and firefighter training.

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION ON WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT

The vehicle’s arrival follows a significant international workshop on wildfire management, held on February 12th in Rabat. Hosted by Morocco’s National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the event brought together global experts to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions for tackling wildfires. As part of the workshop, participants will visit Tangier Province to observe Morocco’s forest restoration efforts and wildfire mitigation strategies firsthand.

This initiative highlights Morocco’s strong commitment to addressing the growing threat of wildfires through international collaboration. Strengthening local firefighting capacities and promoting sustainable forest management remain top priorities for both regional and global stakeholders.

LONG-TERM IMPACT AND TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION

To ensure lasting benefits, the wildfire response vehicle will be accompanied by in-country training for Moroccan firefighters. Additionally, FIRE AID, Moroccan Civil Protection, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), and the London Fire Brigade will engage in a roundtable exchange of expertise.

The partnership will also implement a data-driven approach to wildfire response. Quarterly follow-ups will assess the vehicle’s impact, with performance data integrated into Dubai Civil Defence’s advanced fire-tracking systems. This initiative not only aims to enhance wildfire response efficiency but also contributes to global efforts in reducing emissions and improving firefighting strategies.

Through this groundbreaking collaboration, FIRE AID and Dubai Civil Defence are setting a new standard for international cooperation in wildfire management, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for communities affected by wildfires.