Hemvärnets funktion som stöd till det civila samhället - En fallstudie av två stora olyckor

This report examines the function of the Swedish National Home Guard forces as a support for the civil society in extensive fire-rescuing services. Their function is examined by interviewing personnel from the fire-rescue service and the National Home Guard who took part in the work caused by two large scale accidents. The large scale accidents examined are a forest fire in Bodträskfors (northern Sweden) in 2006 and a large hurricane (Gudrun) which struck the southern parts of Sweden in January 2005. Based on the interviews personnel’s statements and opinions about the work carried out by the National Home Guard are analyzed and conclusions are made about strengths and weaknesses in the organization. The report finds that the National Home Guard is a great resource for the civil society in large fire-rescuing services with their capacity mostly defined by the strengths listed in the report but also by other external circumstances occurring during large scale accidents