Paris: Firefighters ask secondary school pupils to let them get on with their work

For the past few days, the Paris Fire Brigade has been prevented from carrying out its duties and has even been attacked during secondary school protests in the inner suburbs. Lieutenant-Colonel Gabriel Plus, spokesperson for the Paris Fire Brigade, spoke on BFM Paris to urge secondary school pupils to allow the fire service to carry out their work in peace. . “The rule is to let the emergency services through; the rule is to let the Paris Fire Brigade through.” “Over the past two days, we have seen a number of vehicle fires and barricade fires where we have been prevented from getting through. I appeal for reason and vigilance.” In two days, the Paris Fire Brigade has dealt with “around 200 fires, including 50 vehicle fires”. “Every time we are held up for 10 minutes, it potentially reduces the chances of survival by 10 per cent”. “The Paris fire brigade have not been injured by these projectiles, but it is clear that there has been a fair amount of damage: shattered windscreens and bodywork dented by these projectiles. This comes at a cost; it compromises safety.” Despite these risks, the firefighters promise to be on call “365 days a year, day and night” to come to the aid of the people of Paris.