French Industry Minister Visits Montceau-les-Mines Fire Rescue Center Amid Rising Agricultural Fires

Lieutenant Jacky Jatocha hosted a delegation that included the French minister delegate for industry, René Priet (Sébastien Martin), deputy Lionel Duparay, departmental representative Marie‑Thérèse Frizot and city adjoint Gilles Desnoix at the Montceau‑les‑Mines fire and rescue centre. The officials inspected the centre’s capabilities – 90 firefighters, 45 professional staff and 45 volunteers – and discussed daily missions and the current surge of wildfires, many of agricultural origin. Captain Louis‑Marie Capdeville, head of the centre, is presently in Fontainebleau providing expertise to the command post, while other crews are combating the fire at the Grande Verrière. “This year I have never seen this,” lieutenant J. Jatocha remarked. Farmers are supplying water reserves of 5,000‑16,000 litres, supplementing the usual red fire hydrants, pond and canal sources. The tour included specialised vehicles and equipment such as foam cells, lighting, ventilation‑respiratory assistance units, and storm‑flood support cells. The minister and deputy praised the commitment of the fire personnel, and departmental officials pledged further investment to modernise and strengthen rescue centres.

The visit highlighted the growing challenge of agricultural wildfires in the region and the coordinated response involving local authorities, the fire service and national officials.