National Firefighters’ Day: A Successful Open House at the Saint-Pierre Main Fire Station

On Saturday, 13 June 2026, as part of National Firefighters’ Day, the Saint-Pierre Main Fire Station opened its doors to the public for a day dedicated to discovery, exchange, and the transmission of knowledge and experience.

From the moment the event began, large numbers of visitors attended the wide range of activities organised by the station’s firefighters. Operational demonstrations, first-aid workshops, vehicle and equipment displays, hose-handling activities, and informal discussions with firefighters provided the public with a valuable insight into the missions carried out every day in service of the community.

This success was first and foremost the result of the commitment of the personnel of the Saint-Pierre Main Fire Station who, under the coordination of Captain Geoffroy Fontaine, delivered a varied, educational, and accessible programme for visitors of all ages.

The event also benefited from the involvement of several firefighters who contributed to its organisation and animation by providing and operating equipment. The association would particularly like to thank Sergeant First Class Mohamed El Badaouy, Warrant Officer Guillaume Cazarré, and Sergeant Yann Selly for their valuable contribution.

One of the most memorable aspects of the day was the presence of many retired firefighters. Having come to reconnect with former colleagues, discover the activities on offer, and share their experiences, they played a major role in creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. These exchanges between generations perfectly illustrated the importance of preserving and passing on knowledge, experience, and collective memory within the firefighting community.

The Association of Friends of the Firefighters’ Museum of Réunion Island and the Indian Ocean was also present, showcasing its publications devoted to the history of firefighting and emergency services in our region.

The book-signing session for Standing One’s Ground – Bernard Acar: A Lifetime as a Firefighter in Réunion Island received an especially enthusiastic response. All copies available for this first signing session were quickly sold out. Many retired firefighters took the opportunity to purchase the book and exchange memories with Bernard Acar about his career, their shared experiences, and the history of the profession.

Several visitors also expressed interest in the association’s other publications, including The History of Firefighters in Réunion Island.

The visit of the Mayor of Saint-Pierre was another highlight of the event. On this occasion, he was presented with a copy of the book dedicated to Bernard Acar.

Radio Freedom also attended the event, helping to showcase the work carried out by firefighters and the many individuals who contributed to the success of the day.

Beyond its popularity with the public, the event demonstrated the strong interest that exists in the history of firefighters, their commitment to serving the community, and the preservation of their heritage.

The Association of Friends of the Firefighters’ Museum of Réunion Island and the Indian Ocean extends its congratulations to the personnel of the Saint-Pierre Main Fire Station, the volunteers, partners, retired firefighters, and all visitors whose participation contributed to the success of this memorable day.

Photos Emilie Lucas :

Photos Bernard Acar :