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How is the activity of a volunteer employee firefighter organized?

Publié le 31 juillet 2026 - Entreprendre Service Public / (Prime Minister)

With fires affecting several regions in France, volunteer firefighters may be called upon to mobilize. When a volunteer firefighter is employed, several questions arise concerning his possibility of temporarily leaving his post to intervene alongside the rescue. Undertake Public Service explains.

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Image 1Crédits: LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - stock.adobe.com

Employees with the status of volunteer firefighters benefit from several adjustments that allow them to reconcile their professional life with their commitment.

Supervised absence authorizations

Volunteer firefighters can benefit from a leave of absence of their employers for three reasons:

  • relief missions;
  • training actions;
  • participation in meetings of the SDIS: titleContent.

However, an employer does not have a systematic obligation to accept these absences. He may refuse to grant an absence to a volunteer firefighter when his presence is necessary for the functioning of the company.

This refusal must be notified, substantiated and forwarded to the fire and rescue service.

The law of November 25, 2021 authorizes an employee to anonymously assign a day of rest to a volunteer firefighter employee.

Some companies may decide to sign an availability agreement with their SDIS. It contains:

  • the periods during which the employee may go into intervention;
  • the training arrangements;
  • the maximum volume of absence;
  • any financial compensation where the thresholds are exceeded.

Please note

The employee firefighter cannot be dismissed, downgraded or sanctioned if an absence has been legally authorized. In addition, the employer's silence on a request for absence is deemed to be an agreement.

A possible reduction in employer contributions

A law of 10 July 2023 provides the reduction of employer contributions. Companies are eligible under the following conditions:

  • for the recruitment of volunteer firefighters between 1er January 2024 and 31 December 2026;
  • for employees becoming volunteer firefighters for the first time between 1er January 2024 and December 31, 2026.
Rights and support measures for salaried volunteer firefighters

Volunteer firefighters are not-for-profit, however, they are entitled to end-of-service allowances and social benefits. However, the company is not obliged to pay for absences, the SDIS compensates the salaried firefighter.

The time he spends away from work for the performance of duties related to his appointment is considered to be actual working time. This means that his paid leave, seniority and social rights are well taken into account.

Volunteer firefighters who retire after July 1, 2026 and have completed at least 10 years of service (continuous or not) validate additional quarters based on their duration of service:

  • If the total duration of engagement is at least 10 years then there is 1 additional quarter;
  • If the total duration of engagement is at least 20 years then there are 2 additional quarters;
  • If the total duration of engagement is at least 25 years then there are 3 additional quarters.

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