SDIS 47

The Lot-et-Garonne firefighters, known also as SDIS 47, are the departmental fire and rescue service for the Lot-et-Garonne department in southwestern France. Their primary mission is to protect persons, property and the environment through firefighting, rescue operations and emergency medical assistance. They also conduct fire prevention activities, safety inspections and public awareness campaigns. The service responds to a wide range of incidents, including structural fires, road accidents, natural disasters and hazardous material releases. In addition to emergency response, SDIS 47 participates in civil protection planning and supports other public safety agencies.

Operating across the entirety of the Lot-et-Garonne territory, the service covers both urban centres such as Agen, Villeneuve-sur-Lot and Marmande, as well as extensive rural and agricultural areas. As a public establishment, it is funded jointly by the departmental council and the French state, under the oversight of the Ministry of the Interior. The organisation follows the national framework that governs all French SDIS, ensuring standardized training, equipment and operational procedures. Its personnel include professional firefighters, volunteer firefighters and administrative and technical staff. The service maintains a network of fire stations strategically positioned to provide timely coverage throughout the department.

SDIS 47 is distinguished by its integration of emergency medical services, with many firefighters trained as emergency medical technicians capable of delivering pre‑hospital care. The unit also holds a regulatory role in fire safety, conducting inspections of public buildings and enforcing compliance with national fire codes. Its participation in the national SDIS network allows for mutual aid and resource sharing during large‑scale incidents. The ransomware attack of March 9 2021, which disabled email systems and forced reliance on verbal communication, highlighted vulnerabilities in its information technology infrastructure. This incident underscored the growing threat landscape facing essential emergency services and prompted a review of cyber‑security measures. SDIS 47 continues to adapt its capabilities to meet evolving risks while maintaining its core mandate of protecting the residents of Lot-et-Garonne.