Dan Eliasson: Sweden lacks resources for forest fires

The Swedish rescue service lacks resources both on the ground and in the air. That means Dan Eliasson, head of the Swedish Civil Protection Agency, which is in the midst of Sweden's biggest rescue effort.

– It's an exceptional event, he says.

Ash in the fire.

This is an expression that Dan Eliasson, director of the Society for Social Protection and Preparedness, MSB, has heard several times in recent days. In January, he was fired as a rikspolischef after massive criticism. Now he is in the middle of a rescue effort where hundreds of firefighters from Sweden and Europe are fighting to extinguish the fire that has driven people out of their homes and destroyed forests and forests. goods for millions of dollars.

– We may have made the largest collection of energy to handle these fires, "said Dan Eliasson.

Important Messages for the public have decreased, just like the ringing of Dan Eliasson's phone.According to the man in which the crisis is a rule and not an exception, it's usually a sign that the situation is improving On Wednesday, the rescue operation, for many, took an unexpected turn when a jaw-grabbed aircraft was used to bomb the area, creating a pressure wave to quell the fire.

– This is an excellent initiative Eliasson

However, there is still a high or extremely high risk of forest fires in most of Sweden – and SMHI warns of extreme heat. [19659003] – The risk is that heat and drought will continue and we will have new fires later this summer, "Dan Eliasson said.

Missing Resources on the Ground and in the Air

While thousands of volunteers are on the right track to help with the rescue, the fires have led to an unpleasant perception that there is no of resources on the ground and in the air.

– There are a number of employees in the emergency services and the ability to capture the air that is particularly visible. Before helping the EU, we need more capacity, "said Dan Eliasson.

This is a problem that the People's Federation of Norway has been reporting for several years, say- According to the federation, 2,500 part-time firefighters are missing in the municipalities and municipalities of Sweden because they want to understand the relief services.

– We found that Västmanlandsbranden was the responsibility of the civil service of the public service, says Dan Eliasson

According to Dan Eliasson, the proposal was never repeated in the investigation which was then submitted to the government.

Does not provide answers on Swedish Firefly

The question of Sweden should have its own firefly or, if necessary, invested in helicopters for defense that can help in fires, became fiery Da Eliasson, however, does not want to respond to the resources that Sweden will invest until the fires that are now ravaged have been extinguished and that the action can be evaluated.

– I'm not sure. Rescue officials must help assess what is most effective. There are too many who have simple answers in the middle of the crisis.

Criticism against Sweden's preparations

According to Aud Sjökvist, who investigated the forest fires in Västmanland 2014, the Swedish preparation is under all criticism. She believes that surveys with solutions are high while doing too little in practice.

Dan Eliasson agrees to a certain extent. At the same time, he believes that MSB, in its own right, has responded to a large part of the proposals of Aud Sjökvist's investigation and that the authority can not overcome the decisions made at the level policy

– We believe that MSB has acted vigorously. prioritize and lead the work we have never done before, "said Dan Eliasson. READ ALSO

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