Andorra Recovers Only €28K of €149K Rescue Bills

Andorra's fire and rescue service has so far recovered €28,342 of the €148,893 billed for rescue operations, leaving €120,551 still outstanding.

The Andorran Body for Prevention, Firefighting and Rescue reported that out of 39 cases pursued for reimbursement, costs have been collected for 19 interventions, while around 20 remain unpaid. In 2025, the service carried out 338 operational rescues, including 145 in mountainous terrain.

Jordi Farré, the service's director, clarified during the Sant Joan de Déu celebrations—the patron saint's day for the profession—that not all operations qualify for billing. Reimbursements apply beyond mountain rescues to any non-emergency services, such as road conditioning or actions stemming from negligence or recklessness. "We process all files," he said, but added that recovery rates are low, especially since many rescues involve foreigners, making collection difficult.

The service's approach aligns with Andorra's Law on the Fire and Rescue Corps, which sets annual fees based on operation type and difficulty. The legislation aims to promote responsibility in risky activities and ensure prudent use of public resources. Farré emphasised that billing serves a deterrent purpose rather than a revenue-generating one. Rescues are targeted only when they result from negligence, imprudence, or ignorance of the environment—such as reckless behaviour that endangers the rescue team.