Wildfires, floods, storms: Rising natural dangers challenge Switzerland's volunteer firefighter system

Switzerland's renowned volunteer firefighter system, comprising over 74,000 individuals with only 1,046 professionals, is confronting new pressures. The escalating frequency of natural disasters, exacerbated by climate change, is prompting questions about the system's capacity to cope.

Didier Denoreaz, vice-president of the Vaudois Federation of Firefighters, acknowledges that a significant and growing portion of emergency calls are now related to natural dangers. He praised the dedication of Swiss firefighters, noting their efforts even extend to assisting in France, where wildfires are raging.

The traditional militia system has long been a cornerstone of Swiss emergency response. However, the changing environmental landscape and the evolving nature of missions are testing its limits. The article suggests that while the system has historically been effective, the current increase in climate-driven events may be pushing it to its breaking point.

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A growing proportion of interventions are related to natural dangers.