Andorra Firefighters Warn of Rising Structural Fire Risks, Demand More Resources

The A118 firefighters' association has warned of increasing complexity in structural fires across Andorra, demanding better resources and greater technical input into regulations, while Interior Minister Ester Molné has defended the government's approach and praised the corps' professionalism.

In a communiqué released Monday night, A118 highlighted the recent fire at the former Aigües factory in Arinsal—alongside earlier incidents at the Tiffany’s building, Els Serradells, and Lauredià Congress Centre—as evidence of evolving challenges. Taller buildings, intricate designs, and advanced construction materials have raised risks, the group argued, but firefighting resources have not adapted accordingly. The corps frequently operates with minimal staffing during high-demand incidents, a pressure intensified by population growth and peak tourist seasons. Current response effectiveness depends on members' commitment, internal coordination, and extra availability beyond standard shifts, rather than robust planning.

A118 described a "structural disconnect" between service needs and personnel levels, criticizing recent regulations for lacking input from frontline experts despite the corps' growing responsibilities. These now include nighttime helicopter mountain rescues, advanced medical services like the Índia protocol, prevention inspections and drills, overseas operations, teleassistance, and wildfire risk management. The association also objected to non-emergency tasks, such as routine road preparation, pulling focus from core duties.

Among its demands, A118 called for more operational staff, a review of corps sizing, reallocation of non-essential roles, urban growth-aligned structures, technical expertise in decision-making, high-rise and high-density planning, formal recognition of expanded duties, a decontamination protocol with adequate gear, risk-matched insurance, and career development honoring professional input. "Safety cannot be guaranteed if decisions ignore operational realities," the group stated. "Listening to technical expertise is not optional; it is essential." A118 expressed willingness to engage constructively on reforms, including career planning.

On Thursday, Molné visited the firefighters' advanced command post in Arinsal, thanking them for their response. "They are at the coalface, highly professional, and willing to put themselves at risk to protect the public," she said. Addressing A118's claims of insufficient consultation, she expressed confusion, insisting: "I have always valued them highly and taken into account any technical suggestions forwarded to me as the corps' senior leader." She emphasized an open door for dialogue on regulations and operations—largely handled by corps leadership—and noted active working groups on anti-fire norms and pyrotechnics in nightlife venues. Recent rules now require firefighter verification of safety compliance before issuing habitability certificates for tall buildings. In the interim, lacking specific Andorran high-rise rules, French standards guide construction approvals to maintain safety, Molné added.