Argelès-sur-Mer: the barracks expected for “three decades” inaugurated

They had taken possession of it on June 19. Therefore, but it was not until Tuesday that the Argeléian firefighters officially inaugurated their brand new barracks, in the presence of their chief, Captain Marie-Aude Martin, Colonel Eric Belgionïo, departmental director of SDIS 66 (departmental fire and rescue service of the Pyrénées-Orientales) and the sub-prefect Clara Thomas.

Many elected officials from the department. In addition, the region, as well as the municipalities of Argelès, Sorède and Saint-André, served by this fire and rescue center were also present for this historic moment, as well as “the ancients” of the barracks and the families of two Argeléian firefighters who died in intervention: Lieutenant Joseph Noguès in 1991 and Marc Cogognet in 1984.

Modern. Furthermore, spacious, the barracks are dimensioned argelès-sur-mer: barracks expected “three decades” to accommodate the hundred Argeléian firefighters (17 professionals, 85 volunteers and 1 nurse) and adapt its operation to changes in summer winter rhythm. Nevertheless, Located route de Saint-André, loan from the roundabout, its strategic situation allows vehicles to quickly access its intervention areas. Colonel Belgionïo underlined in his speech the will of the SDIS 66 of “bring to life. continue volunteering” and prepare, with the collaboration of elected officials, the “Tomorrow rescue and fire center”. He also recalled that: “Behind each uniform. there is a person ready for anything” And announced that, in this new barracks, two training rooms will be appointed Joseph-Noguès and Marc-Codognet, in tribute to their courage, dedication and sense of sacrifice. These names will also be engraved on a commemorative plaque at the entrance to the barracks.

Mayor Antoine Parra had a thought for the two Argelles disappeared. but also for all the families of firefighters: “All argelès-sur-mer: barracks expected “three decades” the compromises you make, we salute them”. Expected since “At least 3 decades”this barracks were built “In just 15 months”. underlined Hermeline Malherbe, president of the department and the SDIS 66, who did not fail to recall: “We need to recruit firefighters, volunteers and professionals”.

Sub-prefect Clara Thomas who said: “This department is fire and water”gave some figures. In 2024, the Argeléesian barracks made 3,000 outings: 2,300 personal assistance (75 % of interventions), 300 accidents, 300 fire departures and 55 interventions for technological risks. It also highlighted a feminization rate of 25 %, higher than the national average which is 20 %. “This operational center is an example”, she concluded. It is operational, beautiful, functional: you deserve it, this center “.