In the height of summer, Monaco’s firefighters face their busiest and most demanding season…
Between heatwaves, sudden storms, medical emergencies, traffic accidents and the heightened risk of fires, teams remain on constant alert to protect residents and visitors. Their work requires speed, vigilance and endurance, with July and August accounting for around 1,000 interventions each month.
The majority of operations—over 85 percent—are linked to providing medical assistance, while traffic accidents account for about 5 percent and fires 2 percent. Seasonal nuisances also play a role, with wasp and insect-related incidents becoming common during the warmer months. While Monaco’s population is generally well-adapted to summer conditions, tourists are often more vulnerable to heat-related illness, particularly during prolonged heatwaves such as the recent 11-day episode.
To maintain efficiency in extreme heat, the fire brigade adapts its daily routines. Training exercises are scheduled for the cooler hours of the morning, with physical activity later moved indoors to air-conditioned spaces. Lighter uniforms are also introduced to reduce the risk of exhaustion during outdoor operations. These adjustments ensure that firefighters preserve their strength while remaining fully ready to respond at any moment.
This balance between prevention and rapid intervention highlights the vital role of the fire service in safeguarding Monaco through the hottest weeks of the year. Their dedication under challenging conditions ensures that the Principality remains safe, even as summer temperatures climb and emergencies multiply.
