Today, firefighting is much more than just extinguishing fires and saving the injured in traffic accidents, given the increasing number of incidents handling dangerous substances, which require special knowledge and skills. Correct labeling and thorough understanding of dangerous substances’ properties is crucial for risk estimation and the choice of appropriate methods of neutralization. Technology advancements have led to upgrading the firefighting equipment like the device for measuring concentration of inflammable gases, vapours, explosive compounds and radioactive radiation, and information technology which automatically provides solutions for neutralization of inherent substances which increases security and efficiency. However, the human factor still remains the most important resource; well-trained firefighters are crucial for the success of any intervention, where authority compliance and procedures rehearsed in advance ensure efficient actions in the field. Environmental protection has become the integral part of firefighting interventions when in incidents involving dangerous substances maximum efforts are put in to avoid harming the environment. Forest fires, which increasingly affect large areas, additionally endanger the environment and cause climate changes, so their successful neutralization helps preserve the environment and reduce negative climate influences. Modernization of firefighting, which combines advanced technologies, thorough education and well-trained firefighters, essential for effective and safe actions in protecting people, assets and environment, makes firefighting the vital segment of public safety and preserving the nature.