FIREDEFEND (Fire Detection and Enhanced Fire Emergency Network for Waste Disposal) is a cross-border cooperation project aiming to enhance climate resilience and environmental safety at waste disposal sites in the Greece–North Macedonia border region. With a total budget of €1.29 million, co-financed at 80% by the European Union, the project introduces an innovative framework for the prevention, early detection, and effective management of fires in sanitary landfills and uncontrolled dumpsites, addressing a growing risk linked to climate change.

Project activities are implemented in the Regional Units of Pella and Kilkis in Greece and in the Municipality of Bosilovo of North Macedonia. In Greece, FIREDEFEND installs advanced fire detection systems in three organized landfills (Edessa, Giannitsa, and Kilkis), strengthening fire prevention and operational preparedness in properly managed waste facilities. In North Macedonia, the project focuses on uncontrolled waste disposal sites in the Municipality of Bosilovo—areas particularly vulnerable to fire hazards—extending protection to neighboring municipalities such as Strumica, Vasilevo, Novo Selo, and parts of Radoviš.

The Regional Association of Solid Waste Management Agencies of Central Macedonia (FODSA KM) acts as the Lead Partner, responsible for overall project coordination, technical implementation, and procurement. The partnership also includes the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region (CDSEPR) in North Macedonia.

FODSA KM implements the pilot installations in Greece, integrating thermographic and optical cameras, continuous monitoring systems, and automated early-warning alerts. CDSEPR is responsible for cross-border knowledge exchange, mapping and environmental assessment of uncontrolled dumpsites, awareness-raising actions, and the installation of the fire detection system in Bosilovo.

Key Project Outputs

• • • Installation of four (4) fire detection systems (three in Greece and one in North Macedonia)
    • Mapping and fire risk analysis of uncontrolled waste disposal sites
    • Development of a joint cross-border action plan for fire prevention and emergency response
    • Capacity building and know-how transfer for local authorities, waste management operators, and civil protection services
    • Public awareness and communication activities, including workshops, events, and participation in exhibitions such as BEYOND and Forward Green in Thessaloniki
    • A pilot assessment report and sustainability strategy ensuring the long-term operation and maintenance of the installed systems

FIREDEFEND directly benefits waste management authorities, municipalities, and civil protection services, while indirectly protecting residents, businesses, agricultural land, forest areas, and ecosystems. Overall, the project contributes to safeguarding an area of more than 1,400 km² and improving environmental safety for over 50,000 inhabitants across the wider cross-border region.