From April 13 to 17, 2026, the "SERMex 2025 (April 2026)" exercise took place at the Portis Vecchio training camp in Venzone (UD), as part of the activities conducted by the SERM Academy (Safety and Emergency Response Management International Training School).
The objective of the exercise was to test the procedures and operational tools employed by the Italian National Fire Corps (CNVVF) and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Civil Protection (PCR) during emergency scenarios. Specifically, the drill focused on securing buildings damaged by catastrophic events through the controlled dismantling of compromised or unstable structural elements.
Approximately 40 field personnel were deployed daily throughout the exercise. Operations involved specialized units from the CNVVF, PCR staff, and researchers from the SPRINT-Lab, who provided scientific and technical expertise during all execution phases.
The activities also saw the participation of the Association of Earthquake-Affected Municipalities and of the Mayors of the Friuli Reconstruction, responsible for documenting the activities. Additionally, staff from the Municipality of Venzone managed the administrative measures necessary for the emergency response.
A few moments from the field operations, monitored by technicians using drones. © Sprint-Lab, 2026
CNVVF technicians worked to secure the buildings facing the public roads by removing hazardous unstable elements and performing targeted interventions on rooftops.
The condition of the buildings and the progress of the operations were continuously monitored through video analysis, conducted using drones deployed by the CNVVF Regional SAPR Unit (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) and by the SPRINT-Lab.
A particularly significant phase of the exercise involved the operational application of controlled dismantling procedures, which were tested on-site and carried out using specialized machinery. These activities focused on a portion of the building known as the "Ex asilo" (Former Kindergarten), where the upper floor had been severely compromised.
Various phases of the controlled dismantling. © Sprint-Lab, 2026
Specialised heavy machinery from the CNVVF was utilised for both the preliminary clearing of the site and the execution of the dismantling process.
The intervention followed a predefined sequence, identifying and removing individual structural elements progressively to maintain the stability of the remaining structure and ensure the safety of all operators.
Controlled dismanteling of the first-floor south wall of the Ex-Asilo building. © Sprint-Lab, 2026
Demolition of the former kindergarten's facade, seen from the side. © Sprint-Lab, 2026
A major highlight of the operation was the testing of an innovative system featuring a custom-built timber structure. Manoeuvred by heavy machinery, this system allowed for the safe, controlled demolition of an entire section of the building’s southern façade.
The exercise concluded on the final day with a debriefing session held at the Town Hall in Venzone (UD). During the session, participants analysed key strengths and critical issues encountered during the operations.
The findings from this exercise will be instrumental in refining operational procedures, ensuring they are effectively implemented in future real-world emergency scenarios.
