Generolo Jono Žemaičio Lietuvos karo akademija

The article analyzes the role of firefighting units in armed conflict and their importance for the protection of civilians. Using examples from Ukraine and Israel, it describes the expansion of tasks from classic firefighting and rescue to civil defense activities: evacuations, interventions in simultaneous fires, technical assistance and debris removal, emergency water supply, handling unexploded ordnance and CBRN incidents, and providing psychosocial support. He discusses key challenges (safety, logistics, staff workload) and emphasizes the need for coordination with the Integrated Rescue System and the army. He proposes recommendations for increasing preparedness and resilience.