Andorra Fire Service Launches Hiring for Six Amid 30% Retirement Wave

Andorra's fire and rescue service will launch a new hiring competition next week for six positions to address a projected 30% retirement rate over the next five years and an average staff age of 48.

The service celebrated its patron saint's day, Sant Joan de Déu, on Friday at the Santa Coloma barracks. The event recognised the 38th promotion of seven new agents—including two women, one the top performer in her class—as well as professionals with 25 years of service and five retirees from the past year. Six commendations went to standout operations, such as a burial rescue involving a firefighter and his search dog, support for wildfire suppression in Asturias, the canine rescue team's work, and the "Bombers amb Causa" solidarity project.

Director Jordi Farré described the retirement wave—five this year, six next year, and seven the following—as an unprecedented challenge requiring continuous recruitment drives. He noted recent growth to 119 staff through an internal competition, three opposition processes, and the latest additions. Farré emphasised values of service and commitment inspired by the patron saint, closer collaboration with Andorran police and other emergency services, and ongoing reviews of operational and management approaches. He confirmed fleet modernisation over six years, prioritising vehicles over 30 years old, while stressing that current equipment remains adequate. Farré also outlined plans to update rescue billing to focus solely on negligence cases, citing low recovery rates often linked to foreign nationals, and highlighted multi-agency efforts to revise fire regulations.

Head of Government Xavier Espot described firefighting as a vocation demanding great sacrifice and positioned the service as vital to national security. He viewed the generational shift as both challenge and opportunity, pledging improvements in staff and equipment, and praised the prevention department's role in maintaining safety. Espot called for caution in the mountains this winter following recent high-risk interventions.

Justice and Interior Minister Ester Molné praised the firefighters' indispensable role as a model of solidarity, noting new salary scales as recognition of their dedication. She welcomed the female recruits and government efforts to boost conditions and capacity.

In 2025, the service managed 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 comprising 27% of calls.