A rather unusual incident occurred at the Grandrieu fire and rescue station, in the department of Lozère, during the night between Wednesday and Thursday, when a water tanker – essential for fire-fighting operations – was stolen. However, much to the relief of the local fire brigade, the lorry has since been recovered, according to reports from France Bleu.
The tanker lorry, which is one of the newest vehicles acquired by the fire station, had been stolen, making its absence particularly detrimental to rescue operations. It is a Renault Truck 4x4 - Sides, fitted with a ladder and a hose reel at the rear, bearing the registration number GG-923-NF. Following its disappearance, the public were asked to contact the emergency number 17 if they spotted the vehicle, whilst refraining from taking any action themselves.
A complaint lodged by the fire brigade
Following the theft, an official complaint had been lodged by the fire service, a move confirmed by the chair of the Lozère Departmental Council, who is also chair of SDIS 48 (the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service). She had also appealed to the conscience of the alleged suspects or any potential witnesses, urging them to return the vehicle and to inform her without delay.
She had emphasised just how vital the lorry was in the fight against forest fires, highlighting the significant investment made by the SDIS to equip volunteer firefighters and ensure their safety during operations.
The disappearance of the tanker had caused considerable concern within the local community, and the authorities had done everything in their power to locate the vehicle as quickly as possible. Their efforts finally paid off with the location and recovery of the tanker, a major step forward in resolving this reprehensible act.