Firefighters are being put to the test this summer. More than 60 thousand hectares have already burned since the beginning of the year. 265 fire outbreaks were registered in the area, compared to 214 in 2021. Facing the fire, about 200,000 volunteer citizens regularly put on their fire suits and join the ranks of firefighters.
This is how Olivier Picard, 47 years old and twenty-five years in the service, was mobilized at the end of July in the Aubais (Garde) fire that destroyed 360 hectares of forest and injured several of his colleagues. As he moved forward with his team to survey the extent of the fire, the flames burst upon them. An emergency was initiated, the firemen were locked in the truck. The waves of fire affected the car for about thirty seconds. Although the event was spectacular, Olivier knew how to stay calm and organized. Years of experience have taught him how to manage emotions.
But he always remembers…
Source: Le Figaro
