"The means have been reinforced for the summer of 2023," said Emmanuel Macron. This Friday, the President of the Republic went to the civil security in the Gard to announce a plan to fight forest fires, while this summer promises to be still difficult after the many fires of last year. A trip that coincides with the launch of a "forest weather", a new tool to fight fires using a daily bulletin published by Météo France.
On the air base of the civil security of Nîmes-Garons, the Head of State exchanged with the actors mobilized on the ground. Then, during a speech of about twenty minutes, he announced the reinforcement of air material means: "We go from 38 to 47 aircraft", while ensuring that the State continues to "increase in power on air means". As for human reinforcements, 3,660 firefighters and rescuers will be mobilized to reinforce local brigades if the situation requires it, i.e. a reduction from 44 to 51 columns.
Tribute to fallen firefighters
Another novelty announced by the Head of State, the establishment of a "coordination center of air assets" in Nîmes which will allow "to be much more effective with the field". A bomber helicopter will also be based in Bordeaux to "intervene more quickly" in case of fire outbreaks in the South-West region, he said. Last year, 72,000 ha, including 60,000 ha of forest, went up in smoke in France.
Emmanuel Macron also highlighted the issue of fire risk prevention. He insisted on the responsiveness of the civil security forces, explaining that "95% of fires are extinguished before reaching 5 ha".
Emmanuel Macron finally paid tribute to the deceased firefighters, he praised their commitment "to save lives" and called them "heroes". He also had a thought for the police, especially for the three officials who died in a car accident in Roubaix (North) last week.
The head of state's trip was disrupted by opponents of the pension reform. They were a little less than a hundred, equipped with signs, pots and pans, to welcome him on the tarmac of the airport, reports Midi Libre.