French firefighters deployed to southern France for forest fire response

A national reinforcement operation has sent multiple fire service units to the south of France as high temperatures, drought and strong winds increase the risk of wildfires. Five firefighters from the Maine‑et‑Loire department travelled via Toulouse to join the "West" column in Rivesaltes, where they will remain on duty through 12 July. In parallel, a contingent from Moselle comprising 14 firefighters and five vehicles was dispatched to assist local crews. Additional teams from Cher, Loiret, Côtes‑d’Armor and Seine‑Maritime are also operating in the Elne area, supporting urban rescue and fire duties while freeing local resources for forest fire operations.

The coordinated deployment illustrates the French civil protection system’s inter‑departmental solidarity, allowing rapid reinforcement of heavily affected districts while maintaining service continuity in the units’ home regions.