According to our information, the Nord Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS) is set to recruit around 40 volunteer firefighters on fixed-term contracts by 1 July. This is a first in France.
This is an untested measure designed to address the staff shortages faced by the fire service. The recruitment of around forty volunteer firefighters on fixed-term contracts will help ease the pressure on fire stations whilst they await the arrival of new professional firefighters, expected in early 2019. The SDIS 59 will also introduce a procedure enabling young firefighters to become volunteer firefighters more quickly, with the same aim in mind: to fill the staffing gaps.
200 firefighters are reportedly missing
The Nord Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS) already has 4,000 volunteer firefighters and 2,000 professional firefighters. According to the trade unions, a further 200 professional firefighters need to be recruited. This measure will help to defuse the dispute between the firefighters in the Nord and the departmental council and their management.
The Nord Prefecture, which is responsible for ensuring that the people of the Nord receive high-quality emergency services, is monitoring this situation closely.