ARTICLE FROM MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR. The five fire service officers deployed as part of a ‘crisis support mission’ in Australia have returned to France. They have returned deeply affected by the scale of the fires, the professionalism of the Australian firefighters and the global consequences of these events.
“None of us had ever seen fires on this scale before,” says Colonel Pierre Schaller. “These are colossal areas that are hard to visualise rationally, even when you try to picture them. You really have to see them to realise it.”. Every year, from November to March, is the ‘bushfire’ season in Australia. But since August, more than 18 million hectares have been burnt, 28 people have died and millions of animals have been killed. A team of five French firefighters was deployed for ten days, “ an advisory and expert role,” explains Alain Thirion, Director-General for Civil Protection and Crisis Management, “characterised by great humility in the face of these extraordinary events, and guided by the values of civil protection: altruism, commitment and solidarity. ”
It was, first and foremost, the scale of the fires that made a deep impression on our French firefighters. Lieutenant-Colonel Nicolas Coste describes “Extensive areas affected, both in forested regions and in areas of shorter vegetation – the bush – where the fires are intense and spreading.” French experts highlight the professionalism of their Australian colleagues: “We have seen people who, far from being overwhelmed, have managed to cope with the situation,” notes Colonel Pierre Schaller. “There is a resilience and an ability to stand firm in the face of adversity on the part of the Australian fire service and the public authorities as a whole.”
"In Australia, the fires are severe, but the public there is very aware of the issue"
“The fire season will last until March,” says Colonel Bruno Ulliac, the mission’s detachment commander. “The Australians are doing a remarkable job, risking their lives every day, tackling fires that could still spread to other areas.” French fire brigade teams may also be sent to Australia to provide assistance, if necessary.
This mission also provided valuable lessons, such as the importance of raising awareness and providing information to the public. “In Australia, the bushfires are severe, but the public there is very well informed and plays an integral part in the emergency response system,” explains Colonel Arnaud Wilm. “Every Australian has an app that shows the locations of the fires, and residents adhere to the warning and safety zones.”
"We must all come together, across the globe, to find the best solutions"
“It’s a virtually constant concern for the public,” says Lieutenant-Colonel Nicolas Coste. “People have got into the habit of checking their app before setting off. There is also widespread dissemination of information on smoke levels: in every town, smoke pollution indices are published in real time and regularly updated. Depending on these figures, people can choose to stay indoors or protect their respiratory tracts with filter masks. Coloured signs along the roadsides also display daily hazard levels. ”
Finally, this mission has raised global awareness of the consequences of the massive wildfires that have recently ravaged Europe, Bolivia and Siberia. “Just a few decades ago, the issue of forest fires was seasonal and relatively localised (in summer, around the Mediterranean basin),” notes Colonel Pierre Schaller. “Now, it has a global impact. Indeed, it is no longer a matter affecting just one country, because whilst the direct impacts and damage may be felt by a single country, the consequences in terms of climate change are global, and the impact on biodiversity is catastrophic.”“We must all come together, across the globe, to find the best solutions, and pool our efforts, knowledge and experience to be as effective as possible.”, concludes Lieutenant-Colonel Nicolas Coste.