Date source: 2026-07-30

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How is the Activity of a Volunteer Firefighter Employee Organized? Published on July 31, 2026 - Entreprendre Service Public / Direction of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

With fires affecting several regions in France, volunteer firefighters may be called to action. When a volunteer firefighter is also an employee, several questions arise regarding their ability to temporarily leave their job to assist in rescue efforts. Entreprendre Service Public explains.

Image 1 Credits: LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - stock.adobe.com

Employees who have the status of volunteer firefighters benefit from several arrangements that allow them to balance their professional life with their commitment.

Structured Leave Permissions Volunteer firefighters can receive leave permission from their employers for three reasons:

• rescue missions;

• training activities;

• participation in SDIS meetings.

However, employers are not obligated to grant these absences. They can refuse an absence if the employee's presence is necessary for the functioning of the company.

This refusal must be notified, justified, and communicated to the fire service.

The law of November 25, 2021, allows an employee to anonymously transfer a day of rest to a volunteer firefighter employee.

Some companies may decide to sign a convention on availability with their SDIS. This agreement includes:

• periods during which the employee can go on duty;

• training modalities;

• the maximum number of absences;

• potential financial compensation when thresholds are exceeded.

A volunteer firefighter employee cannot be fired, demoted, or penalized if an absence has been legally authorized. Additionally, the employer's silence on a leave request is considered an approval.

Possible Reduction of Employer Contributions A law from July 10, 2023, provides for the reduction of employer contributions. Companies are eligible under the following conditions:

• for hiring volunteer firefighters between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2026;

• for employees who become volunteer firefighters for the first time between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2026.

Rights and Support Measures for Volunteer Firefighter Employees The activity of a volunteer firefighter is non-profit, but it entitles them to indemnities and social benefits at the end of service. However, the company is not required to compensate for absences, as the SDIS pays the volunteer firefighter employee.

The time spent outside of work for mission-related activities is considered actual working time. This means that their paid leave, seniority, and social rights are properly accounted for.

Volunteer firefighters retiring after July 1, 2026, and having served at least 10 years (continuously or not) validate additional trimesters based on their duration of service:

• If the total service duration is at least 10 years, then 1 additional trimester;

• If the total service duration is at least 20 years, then 2 additional trimesters;

• If the total service duration is at least 25 years, then 3 additional trimesters.

Legal Texts and References

• Article L723-9 of the Internal Security Code

• Article L.723-11 of the Internal Security Code

• Article L.723-12 of the Internal Security Code

• Article L. 723-12-1 of the Internal Security Code

• Article L.723-14 of the Internal Security Code

• LOI n° 2021-1520 of November 25, 2021 to strengthen our model of civil security and value the volunteerism of firefighters and professional firefighters (1)

• LOI n° 2023-580 of July 10, 2023 to strengthen prevention and combat against the intensification and extension of fire risk (1)

• Decree n° 2026-18 of January 20, 2026 on various measures concerning volunteer firefighters and professional firefighters

• CIRCULAR CNAV n° 2026-22 of July 23, 2026 concerning the increase in insurance duration for periods of engagement as a volunteer firefighter

See Also

• Volunteer Firefighter (SPV) Service Public

• Combining Volunteerism and Professional Activity Sapeurs-pompiers de France

• Volunteer Firefighter BOSS (Official Bulletin of Social Security)

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SDIS:

Departmental Fire and Rescue Service

Source: Service-Public professionals