Andorra Fire Service Accelerates Hiring Amid 30% Retirement Wave

Andorra's fire and rescue service plans to accelerate hiring with a new competition next week for six positions, as it faces a 30% retirement rate over the next five years and an average firefighter age of 48.

The service marked its patron saint's day, Sant Joan de Déu, on Friday at the Santa Coloma barracks. The event honoured the 38th promotion of seven new agents—including two women, one the top performer in her class—along with professionals marking 25 years of service and five retirees from the past year. Six notable interventions received recognition, including a burial rescue by a firefighter and his search dog, aid in extinguishing wildfires in Asturias, the canine rescue team's efforts, and the "Bombers amb Causa" solidarity initiative.

Director Jordi Farré stressed the need for generational renewal amid upcoming retirements—five this year, six next, and seven the following—describing it as a challenge never faced before with such consecutive recruitment drives. He noted the service now has 119 staff after recent additions via an internal competition and three opposition processes. Farré highlighted values of service and dedication embodied by the patron saint, stronger ties with Andorran police and other emergency units, and ongoing reflection on operational and management models. He also addressed fleet renewal within six years, targeting vehicles over 30 years old, while affirming current equipment meets needs.

Head of Government Xavier Espot called firefighting "more than a profession—it's a vocation and immense sacrifice," positioning the service as essential to national security. He framed the transition as both challenge and opportunity, committing to upgrades in personnel and equipment, and praised the prevention department's role in keeping Andorra safe. Espot urged mountain caution this winter after high-risk operations.

Justice and Interior Minister Ester Molné lauded the firefighters' "essential work" as a model of solidarity, citing new salary scales as recognition of their dedication. She welcomed female recruits and government steps to enhance conditions and capacity.

In 2025, the service handled 4,600 operations, 16,000 files, 2,200 sanitary and patient transports, 1,242 technical assists (10% of activity), 229 fires (5%), and 238 rescues—including 145 in mountains—with accidents at 27% of calls. Farré mentioned plans to refine rescue billing rules to target negligence cases only, noting low recovery rates due to many foreign nationals involved. The service is also updating fire regulations through multi-agency talks.