French mayor faces legal complaint for borrowing fire equipment for second home

The mayor of Aubagne, France, is facing a legal complaint after admitting to using fire department equipment to protect his secondary residence during a major wildfire. SOS Corruption 13 filed a report with the Marseille prosecutor's office concerning Jean-Pierre Squillari's actions.

Squillari, who is also a former lieutenant-colonel in the fire service, acknowledged borrowing a portable pump, three 20-meter hoses, and a fire nozzle. He stated that he did not demand the equipment but rather borrowed it to safeguard his cabin in Barjols, which was threatened by the wildfire that ravaged the Var region in late July.

The complaint references legal provisions that penalize the misuse or theft of property entrusted to public officials or those performing public service duties. The incident has drawn scrutiny amid the aftermath of a significant wildfire that burned for 18 days, requiring the mobilization of over 11,200 firefighters from France and Europe.

The fire, which began on July 21, spread across approximately 6,300 hectares, forcing the evacuation of 6,000 people. It damaged 70 houses, with 41 completely destroyed. The extensive firefighting efforts involved 4,250 local firefighters, 6,870 reinforcements from across France, and 100 European firefighters.

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reprime notamment le détournement ou la soustraction d’un bien remis, en raison de ses fonctions ou de sa mission, à une personne dépositaire de l’autorité publique, chargée d’une mission de service public, dépositaire public ou à l’un de ses subordonnés.