Firefighters in France are threatening a nationwide strike – Politico
French firefighters' unions have called for a nationwide strike scheduled for September 29. The protest stems from accusations that the government failed to provide adequate support and funding during the summer heat wave, which caused widespread wildfires across the country.
Despite participating in the strike, firefighters are required to maintain the minimum number of personnel necessary to respond to critical emergencies.
According to union spokesperson Xavier Boy, during the recent large-scale fires near Bordeaux, there was a complete lack of everything: personnel, specialized equipment, and clear planning. Among the protesters’ key demands are:
* Legislative adoption of a program to modernize France’s civil security system
.* Mass recruitment of new professional firefighters
.* A substantial increase in funding to protect the health and safety of workers
.* Investments in infrastructure and equipment capable of addressing current and future climate risks.
This was reported by Politico.
In the Gironde department of France, which has been suffering from massive wildfires for two weeks, local residents warmly welcomed Ukrainian rescue workers. The Ukrainian Embassy in France shared footage showing the French expressing their gratitude to the firefighters for their help in battling the wildfires.
Ukrainian rescue workers, who are helping their French colleagues fight the massive wildfires, rescued a small roe deer. The animal was found in the middle of a scorched forest with burned legs. The firefighters provided first aid and handed it over to local volunteers.
Forest fires in southern France have not only destroyed homes but also led to the discovery of an old cache of ammunition. In the municipality of Le Porge, about 400 shells and other munitions from World War II were found. Some of them exploded right during the fire due to the high temperatures.
