Official visit in Monaco: strengthened cooperation between firefighters and French civil security

The Monaco Fire Brigade (Corps des sapeurs-pompiers de Monaco) welcomed General Pierre de Villeneuve, commander of the Brigade des Militaires de la Sécurité Civile (BMSC), on Tuesday, March 27, 2026, for an official visit confirming the strong ties between the two operational units.

The BMSC is a key pillar of French civil security. Composed of four Army engineering regiments, it includes around 1,700 highly trained rescue firefighters, capable of operating in complex environments. Thanks to a rapid mobilization system, it can deploy up to 300 personnel within a few hours, both in France and abroad.

Its missions cover a wide range of interventions: natural disasters (earthquakes, wildfires, floods), technological risks (chemical, radiological, biological), as well as support to populations and crisis management alongside national authorities.

The General’s visit marked an important moment in strengthening a long-standing operational cooperation, built on knowledge exchange, joint training, and continuous dialogue. This collaboration helps maintain high operational standards and fosters a shared culture of crisis management.

This strong relationship dates back decades and was notably illustrated during the Fukushima mission in 2011, a powerful symbol of solidarity and shared commitment.

The visit began at the La Condamine fire station, with a guard inspection and a presentation of the unit by Lieutenant Colonel Maxime Yvrard, followed by a showcase of specialized equipment and vehicles.

The General then attended the Changing of the Prince’s Carabinieri Guard at Place du Palais, before taking part in an official lunch with Lionel Beffre, Minister of the Interior, during which he signed the Unit’s Golden Book.

In the afternoon, the visit continued at the Fontvieille fire station, with a presentation of the Event Management and Emergency Operations Center (CGECOS), as well as innovative projects and operational equipment.

This visit further strengthened cooperation between Monaco and France, already formalized by the Franco-Monegasque agreement of May 21, which provides for the integration of Monaco firefighters into French international rescue operations during major emergencies.

As a sign of this close collaboration, a detachment of 9 BMSC personnel will be deployed to Monaco for the 2026 Grand Prix, supporting safety and emergency operations.