Beirut firefighters receive an ambulance and equipment to bolster their emergency response

A 40 cubic meter humanitarian container destined for the firefighters of Beirut arrived Monday at the Lebanese capital’s port. Sent by the Franco-Lebanese association L Blanches, based in Antibes on the Côte d’Azur, it was shipped to Lebanon by the maritime transporter CMA CGM. In its shipment, there was an ambulance and equipment aimed at strengthening the the fire brigade's emergency response capabilities, which is actively serving the population as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has raged since March 2.

"For several years, our association has carried out humanitarian actions in support of the Lebanese population and notably supports the firefighters of Beirut," Claude al-Hage, founding president of the association established in 2021 to promote cooperation and solidarity between France, Lebanon and the Lebanese diaspora, wrote to L’Orient-Le Jour.

The solidarity initiative fits "in the continuity of the support we have provided this corps since 2021, aiming to improve their working conditions and their ability to help the population," he added, expressing his desire to raise public awareness about the importance of supporting these men and women who work every day to save lives.

The 2019 economic crisis, followed by the Beirut port explosion of August 2020, exposed the Beirut firefighters to harsh realities. Not only did all 540 members – the entire crew are public servants – see their salaries evaporate with the collapse of the Lebanese Lira, but the brigade was critically short of personal protective equipment (PPE), and their young recruits lacked necessary know-how.

During the August 4 disaster, ten firefighters died while responding to the emergency. "Since 2015, the Lebanese state has not provided us with any equipment. So, in the current situation, this donation of an ambulance in excellent condition, firefighter uniforms, and lifelines [safety devices] is of great importance," Captain Michel al-Murr, chief of several units including those for nuclear, radiological, chemical and biological risks, as well as sea rescue, told L'Orient Today. The shipment also includes supplies and toys for the firefighters' children.

The link between Beirut’s firefighters and L Blanches was forged in the aftermath of the port tragedy. "Claude al-Hage visited us at our Karantina district headquarters and promised to help as much as possible," Captain Murr said. After obtaining the approval of the authorities and the governor of Beirut, these ties have now been formalized. "Since then, L Blanches has donated, among other things, five new defibrillators and a zodiac boat for sea rescue operations, which allowed us to save 31 people, including children, during floods," he explained. The association is also working to finalize a twinning program between the Beirut firefighters and their French counterparts from the Alpes-Maritimes. "Our men are in real need of professional firefighters’ technical know-how and experience," said Captain Murr.

Beirut’s firefighters, a semi-military, semi-civilian institution independent of the Civil Defense, suffer from lack of funding like many Lebanese institutions. They have already benefited from aid from the French Embassy, including about 100 protective fire suits, around 60 helmets and 200 pairs of boots. In addition to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is firefighting foam, washing machines for uniforms, and dryers. With the ongoing war and almost daily interventions in areas affected by bombings, any help is welcome. For more information, contact Captain Michel al-Murr at +961 71 028 930.