Crisis exercise in Haute-Saône

The prefecture of Haute-Saône organized a full-scale crisis exercise involving security and rescue forces, as well as approved civil protection associations. The exercise aimed to evaluate the coordination of different agencies, the chain of command, and the implementation of protocols for protecting cultural and heritage assets, along with maintaining the continuity of state services during a crisis.

Exercise scenarios included simulated events

The exercise featured a series of simulated events, such as an undisclosed public demonstration, the discovery of a suspicious package, and an accidental fire within the prefecture's premises. These scenarios were designed to test the reactivity and adaptability of the involved actors in protecting people and property under challenging conditions, according to the prefecture's official statement.

Multiple emergency services and organizations participated

The exercise mobilized a variety of emergency responders, including 30 firefighters who deployed two fire trucks, an aerial ladder, a rescue and victim assistance vehicle, a multi-purpose vehicle for evacuating cultural assets, a medical vehicle, and a command post vehicle. In addition, 15 police officers from the departmental directorate of the national police of Haute-Saône took part, along with two approved civil protection associations: the French Red Cross and Bouclier Bleu France, which specializes in heritage protection during crises.

Prefect praises participants' performance

The prefecture described the exercise as vital for improving the preparedness and training of state services and their partners in responding to risks and crises. Prefect Serge Jacob praised the security and rescue forces, the approved civil protection associations, and all resilience actors for their "commitment and professionalism" during the simulation.