Andorra Appoints Firefighter Veteran as New Fire Prevention Director

Andorra's Council of Ministers has appointed Joan Josep Barrio López as the new director of the Department of Fire Prevention, Extinction and Rescue (DPEIS). The decision, approved on Wednesday, places an experienced firefighter with 26 years in the brigade at the helm of the service.

Barrio joined the brigade in 2000 as a firefighter and nurse, building much of his career around emergency medical care and mountain medicine. He progressed through positions such as non-commissioned officer, senior non-commissioned officer, and deputy head of the Sanitary Unit, later becoming an officer and head of that unit. His roles have included teaching on the International Diploma in Mountain Medicine at the University of Girona, managing high-complexity emergency responses, and leading the brigade's medical coordination during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The government sees the appointment as ushering in a fresh stage for the DPEIS, guided by someone with intimate knowledge of its operations. Ministers also confirmed Josep Joan Ribera as deputy director.

At the same meeting, the Council approved six new recruits who completed the selection process that began in April. They will start a four-month training programme on 1 September, combining theoretical and practical instruction from brigade members and outside specialists. Notably, three women are among them—the first time so many have joined in one intake.

These hires will replace retirees and help the brigade reach its target of 124 members. It currently employs 120 people, eight of whom are women.