French firefighters call strike over 'under-staffing and lack of resources'

Nine unions representing French firefighters have announced a one-day strike on Thursday due to chronic underfunding and challenging working conditions. Firefighter strikes usually serve as symbolic actions, but this action highlights the sector's growing frustration, as they are combating one of the worst wildfire years on record.

The nine unions have expressed concerns over "major difficulties," specifically "chronic under-staffing" and a "clear lack of material resources" in their strike notice. Union leaders are set to meet with the Interior Minister on Thursday afternoon to discuss their demands, which include better funding, a genuine national priority for personnel health and safety, and efforts to professionalize the service.

France has approximately 250,000 firefighters, with only 44,000 being full-time professionals, while the remaining workforce comprises volunteers who leave their regular jobs to respond to emergency calls. Union leader Ludovic Goblet, based in Somme, stated that the current system needs significant overhaul, emphasizing the need for more resources such as vehicles and equipment.

However, Goblet noted that the new vehicles have not increased the sector's capacity, as they have simply replaced the old ones. The union also highlighted the need for more personnel, as there has been no increase in professional firefighters for about ten years.

The union acknowledged the contribution of volunteer firefighters, who make up nearly 80 percent of the force, but stressed that working regular jobs leaves them unable to be on call. They are advocating for staffing levels that better meet their needs, aiming for a balance between professional and volunteer firefighters to ensure continuity of service.

Junior Interior Minister Jean-Didier Berger mentioned an ongoing dialogue with union representatives, adding that France is fortunate to have exceptional civil security conditions due to significant resources being allocated to the cause. The summer of 2026 has witnessed one of the worst wildfire seasons, with 115,000 hectares burned, including 42,000 hectares in a large wildfire in Gironde in July.

The firefighting effort has necessitated thousands of firefighters, mostly part-time volunteers, aided by professional firefighters from Paris, Marseille, and neighboring European countries, including Ukraine. As of August 12th, 80 départements were under an orange heatwave alert, while drought conditions reached "historic levels," posing high fire risk in 45 départements.