Interior Minister Nuñez pledges increased resources for French fire services
Laurent Nuñez told the annual firefighters' congress that the upcoming civil-security bill will include explicit funding for departmental fire and rescue services.
At the annual congress of French firefighters, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez responded to growing anger among professional crews by promising to strengthen the capabilities of the services départementaux d'incendie et de secours. He indicated that the proposed civil-security modernization law will feature a specific clause that makes the allocated resources for the next five years transparent. The financing plan relies on revenues from a special tax on insurance contracts, which will be directed to local governments and fire services.
Nuñez highlighted the unprecedented fire season, noting more than 100,000 hectares burned, and suggested expanding the fleet of helicopters and light aircraft for the 2027 forest-fire season. Union president Xavier Boy described the proposal as a positive political move but cautioned that only the enacted figures and actual collections will determine its impact.
Why it matters
Enhanced funding will directly affect France's ability to combat increasingly severe wildfires.
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