Scouts on Watch: 45 Years of Partnership with Firefighters to Fight Wildfire Risks

Nearly 1,000 young people across France volunteer to protect the environment every summer, particularly as part of the prefectural Forest Fire Defense (DFCI) programme. In the South of France, where drought and wildfires are a persistent threat, Scouts aged 14 to 21 join forces with the Marseille Marine Fire Brigade to safeguard natural areas. Now in its fourth decade, this collaboration is a unique example of youth taking responsibility for their environment and community.

The Scouts' mission is diverse, ranging from patrols in forest massifs to raising public awareness about fire risks. The programme also includes observation points for early fire detection, and during high-risk "red" fire days, young Scouts are stationed at barriers to prevent hikers from entering restricted areas. "When others have confidence in us, we gain more confidence in ourselves," says a young Scout participating in the programme.

In 2023 alone, 461 young people participated in these efforts, gaining education on forest protection while contributing 9,000 hours of civil security activities. These hours—equivalent to 59 full-time positions—included tasks such as patrolling fire-prone areas, raising public awareness, and assisting in detecting and preventing potential fires. As part of the prefectural fire defence system, Scouts successfully reported 12 instances of suspicious smoke, potentially preventing devastating fires.

In addition to fire prevention, Scouts engage in environmental restoration activities throughout the year, clearing and cleaning natural areas to reduce fire risks and restore ecosystems. The Nature Environnement initiative allows volunteers to take an active role in protecting their surroundings.

One key component of the collaboration is the partnership with the Marseille Marine Fire Brigade, which provides training to the Scouts. The Scouts learn essential skills, including using radios, reading maps, and communicating effectively with firefighters. This knowledge is critical as the Scout's man observation points and coordinates patrols in fire-prone areas.

The origins of this collaboration date back to the summer of 1979, when devastating fires swept through the Marseille coves. The Scouts of France responded by organising large-scale reforestation and cleanup efforts involving 16,000 participants. Over the years, their role has expanded to include fire monitoring, alert systems, and close coordination with local fire services.

The Luminy Camp is at the heart of these efforts, an international Scouting site where French and foreign Scouts work together to prevent fires. Scouts play a crucial role in ensuring rapid response to fire outbreaks by utilising topographic maps and communication tools similar to those used by firefighters.

"We take pleasure in feeling useful, in protecting nature," shares Stellane, one of the young volunteers, binoculars in hand, as she scans the horizon for any signs of smoke. Amandine, another Scout, echoes this sentiment: "It's a holiday, but a useful one." Their work reminds us of the importance of youth involvement in environmental protection and community resilience.

The French Scouts and Marseille Marine Fire Brigade have been working together on the region's fire defence strategy for 45 years. These young volunteers remain on the front lines as climate change threatens forests and raises awareness about the fragility of natural ecosystems.