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), replacing Jordi Farré, who has taken early retirement after 36 years of service. The move, approved during Wednesday's meeting, also names Josep Joan Ribera as deputy director.

Barrio, with 26 years in the brigade since joining in 2000 as a firefighter and nurse, brings expertise in emergency medical care, mountain medicine, rescues, and operational management. He has held roles including non-commissioned officer, senior non-commissioned officer, deputy head and later head of the Sanitary Unit, and officer. His experience extends to teaching on the International Diploma in Mountain Medicine at the University of Girona, handling high-complexity emergencies, and coordinating the brigade's medical response during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The government views the appointment as the start of a new phase for the DPEIS, led by someone with deep internal knowledge across its operations. Ministers expressed gratitude to Farré, who began as a firefighter and mountain rescue group member in 1991, later taking on operational, training, command, and management duties before becoming director in 2021. Interior, Justice, Economy, Work and Housing Minister Conxita Marsol praised his dedication, professionalism, and contributions over three decades.

The same session approved six new recruits—three of them women, a first for a single intake—who passed April's selection process. They begin a four-month training programme on 1 September, covering theoretical and practical skills taught by brigade staff and external experts. The additions will replace retirees, expanding the brigade from 120 members (eight women) to a target of 124.

Responding to brigade demands for updated vehicles, equipment, and facilities, Marsol said Justice and Interior Minister Ester Molné would soon convene a meeting, once the new leadership is in place. She noted recent salary improvements and stressed the need for the department to have optimal conditions. The majority union SIB A118 has repeatedly raised concerns over the age and obsolescence of some assets, urging faster renewal given the demands of emergency services.