Service Départemental d'Incendie et de Secours des Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Service Départemental d'Incendie et de Secours des Pyrénées-Atlantiques (SDIS 64) is the public fire and rescue service responsible for the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in southwestern France. Its core missions include fire prevention, firefighting, emergency medical assistance, rescue operations, and the management of natural and technological hazards. The organisation serves both urban and rural communities within the departmental territory, coordinating responses to incidents that threaten life, property, or the environment. SDIS 64 operates under the framework of France’s civil safety system, working closely with other emergency services and local authorities to ensure a rapid and effective response.

As a departmental service, SDIS 64 is part of the national network of SDIS organisations that cover each French department, providing a standardized approach to fire and rescue across the country. It is tasked with maintaining readiness through training, equipment maintenance, and the development of contingency plans for various emergency scenarios. The organisation also engages in public safety education and risk reduction initiatives aimed at minimizing the occurrence of incidents within its jurisdiction. These activities are carried out by a combination of professional firefighters, volunteer personnel, and administrative staff who support operational functions.

In October 2023, SDIS 64 experienced a cyberattack that compromised its office and IT infrastructure, disrupting administrative systems while emergency call services remained functional. The incident prompted the activation of containment measures to preserve core rescue capabilities and ensure uninterrupted public access to critical response networks. Investigations and mitigation efforts were subsequently launched to restore affected systems and strengthen cybersecurity resilience. This event highlighted the importance of protecting information technology assets even as frontline emergency operations continued unaffected.

SDIS 64 is a public establishment governed by the departmental council and operating under the authority of the French State, specifically the Ministry of the Interior. Its organisational structure reflects the typical model of SDIS entities, which are funded through a combination of state subsidies, local government contributions, and own-source revenues. As a public service entity, it is accountable to both regional oversight bodies and the communities it serves.