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{{Short description|Civil defense agency of the French Government}} |
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[[Image:CivilDefence.svg|right|thumb|The international [[civil defence]] symbol, as carried by Sécurité Civile aircraft and many of their Automobiles]] |
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[[File:Sécurité Civile - Logo.svg|thumb|200px|The emblem of Sécurité Civile which includes the international civil defense [[:File:CivilDefence.svg|symbol]].]] |
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The '''{{lang|fr|Direction générale de la sécurité civile et de la gestion des crises}}''' (General directorate for civil defense and crisis management) is a [[civil defense]] agency of the [[Government of France|French Government]]. It operates for the [[Minister of the Interior (France)|Ministry of the Interior]] and employs some 2,500 civilian and military personnel over 60 sites.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Le-ministere/Securite-civile |title=Sécurité civile |language=fr |trans-title=Civil Security}}</ref> Known as the '''{{lang|fr|Protection Civile}}''' until 1976,<ref name='HDhist2'>{{Cite web |url=http://www.helico-dragon.com/historique/histo02.html |title=Helicopter group history (in French) |access-date=2008-08-03 |archive-date=2008-08-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080801184209/http://www.helico-dragon.com/historique/histo02.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> the {{lang|fr|Sécurité Civile}} is split into several branches:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000037086033&dateTexte=20180923 |title=Arrêté du 18 juin 2018 portant organisation et attributions de la direction générale de la sécurité civile et de la gestion des crises |language=fr |trans-title=Order of June 18, 2018 on the organization and powers of the Directorate General for Civil Security and Crisis Management |date=2018-06-18 |access-date=2018-09-23}}</ref> |
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* The {{lang|fr|inspection générale de la sécurité civile}}, which is in charge of auditing the [[civil defense]] public policies. |
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Operating for the French [[Minister of the Interior (France)|Ministry of the Interior]], the ''Direction de la Défense de la Sécurité Civile'' (Department of Civil Defence and Emergency Preparedness) is a [[French Government]] [[civil defence]] agency, employing some 2,500 civilian and military personnel over 60 sites.<ref>[http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/sections/a_l_interieur/defense_et_securite_civiles/presentation French Interior Ministry - Sécurité civile (in French)]</ref> Known as the ''Protection Civile'' until 1976,<ref name='HDhist2'>[http://www.helico-dragon.com/historique/histo02.html Helicopter group history (in French)]</ref> the ''Sécurité Civile'' is split into several branches. |
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* The {{lang|fr|Direction des [[Fire service in France|Sapeur-pompier]]s}} are the French [[firefighter]]s. |
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* The {{lang|fr|service de la planification et de la gestion des crises}} is the crisis oversight service. It includes the units involved in [[bomb disposal]], [[Maritime Gendarmerie|coast guard]], [[Mountain rescue#France|mountain rescue]], [[Air medical services|air ambulance]] and [[medical evacuation]], and [[aerial firefighting]] duties. |
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* The {{lang|fr|sous-direction des affaires internationales, des ressources et de la stratégie}} (sub-directorate of international affairs, resources and strategy). |
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== Aircraft == |
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The ''Sous-Direction des [[Sapeur-pompier]]s'' are the French [[firefighter]]s. |
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[[File:Pélican 32 Gérard JOYON PROT CANADAIR 2006.jpg|thumb|[[Bombardier 415]] "Superscoop" of Sécurité Civile]] |
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{{lang|fr|Sécurité Civile}} aircraft operate for the Rescue operation and civil-military cooperation branch under the {{lang|fr|Groupement des Moyens Aériens Sécurité Civile}} (Aerial Group).<ref name="HDchart">{{Cite web |url=http://www.helico-dragon.com/presentation/popup.html |title=Sécurité Civile Organisational Chart (in French) |access-date=2008-08-03 |archive-date=2011-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711162559/http://www.helico-dragon.com/presentation/popup.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Aircraft carry the title SECURITE CIVILE on the fuselage sides, together with the international civil defence symbol. The aircraft are divided into the {{lang|fr|Groupement des Helicopteres de la Securite Civile}} (Helicopter Group) and the {{lang|fr|Groupement des Avions Bombardiers d'Eau}} (Water Bomber Group).<ref name='Aeroflight'>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/france/francaf5.htm |website=Aeroflight |title=World Airforces: France}}</ref> |
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=== Helicopter group === |
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The ''Sous-Direction des opérations de Secours et de la coopération civilo-militaire'' <ref name='HDchart'>[http://www.helico-dragon.com/presentation/popup.html Sécurité Civile Organisational Chart (in French)]</ref>(Rescue operation and civil-military cooperation branch) is involved in [[bomb disposal]], [[coast guard]], [[mountain rescue]], [[air ambulance]] and [[aerial firefighting]] duties. |
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[[File:Sud SE3160 Alouette III F-ZBAL LEB 02.06.73 edited-2.jpg|thumb|[[Aérospatiale Alouette III]] of the {{lang|fr|Protection Civile}} demonstrating at [[Paris–Le Bourget Airport]] in 1973.]] |
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[[File:EC145 over Marignane JD15042007.jpg|thumb|[[Eurocopter EC145]] over [[Marseille Provence Airport|Marignane Airport]], Marseille, 2007]] |
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The {{lang|fr|Sécurité Civile}} helicopter group has 23 helicopter bases in mainland France and its overseas territories. It has a fleet of 35 helicopters and employs 230 pilots and flight engineers and 50 ground engineers. Over its 50 years of activity, the helicopter group has an impressive track record, with 480,000 flight hours, 250,000 rescue missions and 225,000 people rescued.<ref name='Rotorhub'>{{cite web|url=http://www.shephard.co.uk/Rotorhub/ShowReportItem.aspx?ID=e3faf43f-dade-4223-ae82-94c18e1035fe |website=Shephard.co.uk |title=Turbomeca and Securite Civile celebrate 100,000 flight hours of the Arriel 1E2}}</ref> Helicopter group aircraft use the callsign "DRAGON", followed by the number of the {{lang|fr|[[Departments of France|département]]}} in which their base is located.<ref name='HDhist2' /> |
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==Aircraft== |
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''Sécurité Civile'' aircraft operate for the Rescue operation and civil-military cooperation branch under the ''Groupement des Moyens Aériens Sécurité Civile'' (Aerial Group).<ref name='HDchart' /> Aircraft carry the title SECURITE CIVILE on the fuselage sides, together with the international civil defence symbol. The aircraft are divided into the ''Groupement des Helicopteres de la Securite Civile'' (Helicopter Group) and the ''Groupement des Avions Bombardiers d'Eau'' (Water Bomber Group).<ref name='Aeroflight'>[http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/waf/france/francaf5.htm Aeroflight - World Airforces: France]</ref> |
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* [[Eurocopter EC145]] (35) |
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===Helicopter Group=== |
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[[Image:EC145 over Marignane JD15042007.jpg|right|thumb|Eurocopter EC145 over [[Marseille Provence Airport|Marignane Airport]], Marseille, 2007]] |
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{{lang|fr|Sécurité Civile}} currently operates 35 EC-145 helicopters that were delivered between 2002 and 2005. The fleet has accumulated over 100,000 flight hours.<ref name='Rotorhub' /> The EC-145 fleet is used for [[search and rescue]], fire fighting, [[emergency medical services]] (EMS), [[surveillance]] and [[Law enforcement agency|law enforcement]]. EC-145s are deployed on 22 {{lang|fr|Sécurité Civile}} bases in France and the [[Overseas territory (France)|French Overseas Territories]]. An order has been placed for a further five helicopters, to be delivered from January 2009. This will enable the phasing out of the six remaining ''Alouette'' III helicopters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eads.net/1024/en/investor/News_and_Events/news_ir/2007/2007/20071213_ec_dga_ec145.html |title=DGA orders 5 Eurocopter EC145 helicopters for Sécurité Civile |website=EADS}}</ref> The EC 145 carries out an average 10,000 rescue missions each year, representing over 13,300 flight hours.<ref name='Rotorhub' /> |
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The ''Sécurité Civile'' helicopter group has 22 helicopter bases in mainland France and its overseas territories. It has a fleet of 40 helicopters and employs 230 pilots and flight engineers and 50 ground engineers. Over its 50 years of activity, the helicopter group has an impressive track record, with 480,000 flight hours, 250,000 rescue missions and 225,000 people rescued.<ref name='Rotorhub'>[http://www.shephard.co.uk/Rotorhub/ShowReportItem.aspx?ID=e3faf43f-dade-4223-ae82-94c18e1035fe Turbomeca and Securite Civile celebrate 100,000 flight hours of the Arriel 1E2]</ref> Helicopter group aircraft use the callsign "DRAGON", followed by the number of the ''[[Departments of France|département]]'' in which their base is located.<ref name='HDhist2' /> |
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==== Bases ==== |
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*[[Aerospatiale Alouette III|''Aerospatiale Alouette'' III]] (6) |
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Six ''Aerospatiale Alouette'' III SA316B are still in operation, based at Alpe d'huez, Chamonix, Nîmes and Paris.<ref name='cohen'>[http://cohen.frank.free.fr/photos/helicoptere/securitecivile/leparc.htm Securite Civile Helicopters (in French)]</ref> |
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*[[Eurocopter AS350|Eurocopter ''Écureuil'']] (4) |
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Four Eurocopter ''Écureuil'' AS-350 are operated out of Cannes, Nîmes and Marseille.<ref name='cohen' /> |
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*[[Eurocopter EC-145]] (30) |
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''Sécurité Civile'' currently operates 35 EC-145 helicopters that were delivered between 2002 and 2005. The fleet has accumulated over 100,000 flight hours.<ref name='Rotorhub' /> The EC-145 fleet is used for search and rescue, fire fighting, [[emergency medical services]] (EMS), [[surveillance]] and [[Law enforcement agency|law enforcement]]. EC-145s are deployed on 22 ''Sécurité Civile'' bases in France and the French Overseas Territories. An order has been placed for a further five helicopters, to be delivered from January 2009. This will enable the phasing out of the six remaining ''Alouette'' III helicopters.<ref>[http://www.eads.net/1024/en/investor/News_and_Events/news_ir/2007/2007/20071213_ec_dga_ec145.html DGA orders 5 Eurocopter EC145 helicopters for Sécurité Civile]</ref> The EC 145 carries out an average 10,000 rescue missions each year, representing over 13,300 flight hours.<ref name='Rotorhub' /> |
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====Bases==== |
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Helicopter group bases of operation are located at:.<ref name='HDorg'>[http://www.helico-dragon.com/presentation/index_pres.html Helicopter group organisation (in French)]</ref> |
Helicopter group bases of operation are located at:.<ref name='HDorg'>[http://www.helico-dragon.com/presentation/index_pres.html Helicopter group organisation (in French)]</ref> |
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{{Div col|colwidth=22em}} |
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* [[Ajaccio]] ([[Corsica]]) |
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* [[Annecy]] |
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* [[Bastia]] (Corsica) |
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* [[Besançon]] |
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* [[Bordeaux]] |
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* Cannes |
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* [[Clermont-Ferrand]] |
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* [[Granville, Manche|Granville]] |
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* [[Grenoble]] |
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* [[Le Havre]] |
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* [[Lille]] |
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* [[Lorient]] |
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* [[Lyon]] |
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* Marseille |
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* [[Montpellier]] |
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* Paris - [[Issy-les-Moulineaux]] |
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* [[Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques|Pau]] |
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* [[Perpignan]] |
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* [[Pointe-à-Pitre]] ([[Guadeloupe]]) |
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* [[Quimper]] |
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* [[La Rochelle]] |
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* [[Strasbourg]] |
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{{div col end}} |
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The {{lang|fr|Echelon Central}} (command centre), and helicopter maintenance base is located in [[Nîmes]]. |
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*Ajaccio (Corsica) |
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*Annecy |
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*Bastia (Corsica) |
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*Besançon |
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*Bordeaux |
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*Cannes |
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*Clermont Ferrand |
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*Granville |
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*Grenoble |
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*Le Havre |
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*Lille |
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*Lorient |
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*Lyon |
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*Marseille |
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*Montpellier |
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*Paris - Issy-les-Moulineaux |
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*Pau |
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*Perpignan |
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*Pointe-à-Pitre ([[Guadeloupe]]) |
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*Quimper |
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*La Rochelle |
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*Strasbourg |
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Helicopters are detached to several other bases seasonally. In summer, aircraft are detached to [[Courchevel]], Alpes d'Huez, [[Gavarnie]], [[Lacanau]], and Chamonix. In winter, aircraft are detached to Chamonix and Alpes d'Huez.<ref name='HDorg' /> |
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The ''Echelon Central'' (command centre), and helicopter maintenance base is located in Nîmes. |
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=== Water bomber group === |
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Helicopters are detached to several other bases seasonally. In summer, aircraft are detached to Courchevel, Alpes d'Huez, Gavarnie, Lacanau, and Chamonix. In winter, aircraft are detached to Chamonix and Alpes d'Huez.<ref name='HDorg' /> |
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[[File:Douglas DC-6B, France - Securite Civile AN0575827.jpg|thumb|A former [[Douglas DC-6]] at [[Paris–Le Bourget Airport]]]] |
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[[File:Bombardier Dash 8-Q402, France - Securite Civile JP6249912.jpg|thumb|[[Bombardier Dash 8]] Sécurité Civile, France at [[Luxembourg Findel Airport]]]] |
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[[File:Grumman S-2A-Conair Turbo Firecat (G-89), France - Securite Civile AN0205116.jpg|thumb|{{lang|fr|Sécurité Civile}} [[Conair Firecat|Conair Turbo Firecat]] at [[Stuttgart Airport]]]] |
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* [[Bombardier 415]] (12) |
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===Water Bomber Group=== |
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[[Image:Blusvliegtuig.jpg|thumb|right|CL-415 "Superscoop" over [[Cargèse]], [[Corsica]]]] |
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[[File:2013-08-13-190204-HX100V-03161.JPG|thumb|Bombardier CL-415]] |
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[[Image:Dash8web.jpg|thumb|Dash8 Sécurité Civile France]] |
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[[Image:Tracker2.jpg|thumb|right|''Sécurité Civile'' Conair Turbo Firecat over [[Sausset-les-Pins]], 2006]] |
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12 Bombardier 415s are currently operated by the {{lang|fr|Sécurité Civile}}, each able to drop {{convert|6,137|L|abbr=on}}.<ref>[http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/misill/sections/a_la_une/toute_l_actualite/securite-civile/canadair-rhodes/view Envoi de deux Canadair sur l'île de Rhodes (French)]</ref> France was the first nation to commit to the CL-415 "Superscoop" in 1992, so that it could phase out its [[Canadair CL-215]]s.<ref name='AFM'>{{cite book | last = Keijsper | first = Gerard | title = Airforces Monthly: 'Water-Bombers Required!' | publisher = Key Publishing | date = July 2008 | location = London | pages = 38–44 }}</ref> |
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*[[Bombardier CL-415]] (12) |
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* [[Bombardier Dash 8]] (6) |
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12 Bombardier CL-415s are currently operated by the ''Sécurité Civile'', each able to drop 5,800 L (1,530 US gal).<ref>[http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/misill/sections/a_la_une/toute_l_actualite/securite-civile/canadair-rhodes/view Envoi de deux Canadair sur l'île de Rhodes (French)]</ref> France was the first nation to commit to the CL-415 "Superscoop" in 1992, so that it could phase out its [[CL-215]]s.<ref name='AFM'>{{cite book | last = Keijsper | first = Gerard | title = Airforces Monthly: 'Water-Bombers Required!' | publisher = Key Publishing | date = July 2008 | location = London | pages = pp38–44 | isbn = }}</ref> |
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Two pre-owned Bombardier Dash 8 Q400s, acquired from [[Scandinavian Airlines|Scandinavian Airlines System]], were modified by [[Cascade Aerospace]] of [[Abbotsford, British Columbia]], for the {{lang|fr|Sécurité Civile}} to act as fire-fighting [[Aerial firefighting#Airtankers|water bomber]]s in fire season and as transport aircraft off season. This aircraft is designated the Q400-MR (Multi Role). The aircraft can be reconfigured into the passenger, cargo or aerial fire control role in under three hours<ref>[http://www.cascadeaerospace.com/products/Q400%20Air%20Tanker%20Conversion/ Cascade Aerospace - Q400 Airtanker Conversion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090813063702/http://cascadeaerospace.com/products/Q400%20Air%20Tanker%20Conversion/ |date=2009-08-13 }}</ref> and can drop {{convert|10,000|L|abbr=on}} in the tanker role.<ref>[http://www.flightlevel350.com/De_Havilland_Canada_Dash_8_aircraft_facts.html De Havilland Canada Dash 8]</ref> 6 more ordered in 2017 for 365M€, 4 delivered by the end of 2021. |
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*[[Bombardier Dash 8]] (2) |
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* [[Beechcraft Super King Air|Beechcraft Super King Air 200]] (3) |
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Two pre-owned Bombardier Dash 8 Q400s, acquired from [[Scandinavian Airlines System]], were modified by Cascade Aerospace of Abbotsford, British Columbia, for the ''Sécurité Civile'' to act as fire-fighting [[Aerial firefighting#Terminology|water bomber]]s in fire season and as transport aircraft off season. This aircraft is designated the Q400-MR (Multi Role). The aircraft can be reconfigured into the passenger, cargo or aerial fire control role in under three hours<ref>[http://www.cascadeaerospace.com/products/Q400%20Air%20Tanker%20Conversion/ Cascade Aerospace - Q400 Airtanker Conversion]</ref> and can drop 10,000 L (2,640 US gal) in the tanker role.<ref>[http://www.flightlevel350.com/De_Havilland_Canada_Dash_8_aircraft_facts.html De Havilland Canada Dash 8]</ref> |
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==== Bases ==== |
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*[[Conair Turbo Firecat]] (9) |
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All fixed-wing aircraft are based at [[Garons Provence Airport]]. |
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== Bomb disposal == |
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Nine Conair Turbo Firecats are in operation.<ref name='AFM' /> The Turbo Firecat is a turboprop conversion of the [[Grumman S-2 Tracker]], carried out by [[Conair Group|Conair]] (now Cascade Aerospace), Canada. The first delivery to the ''Sécurité Civile'' was in August 1988.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jau/jau_0609.html Janes - Cascade Aerospace (Conair) Turbo Firecat Conversion]</ref> |
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:''Main article: [[Iron Harvest]]'' |
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307 {{lang|fr|Sécurité Civile}} [[bomb disposal]] experts are based at 20 bomb disposal units, including 2 overseas units (Guadeloupe and [[French Guiana]]). They are responsible for the detection, removal, disposal or destruction of suspicious objects. They also provide assistance during official travel or large demonstrations and disarm and destroy dormant ammunition [[Zone Rouge|still present from the two world wars]].<ref name='FIbomb'>{{cite web |url=http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/sections/a_l_interieur/defense_et_securite_civiles/services-operationnels/deminage |title=Le service du déminage de la sécurité civile |trans-title=The civil security demining service |language=fr |date=2010-05-17 |publisher=[[Ministre de l’Intérieur]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523220948/http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/sections/a_l_interieur/defense_et_securite_civiles/services-operationnels/deminage/ |archive-date=2012-05-23}}</ref> |
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====Bases==== |
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All fixed-wing aircraft are based at [[Marseille Provence Airport]]. |
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In 2004, {{convert|440|t}} of munitions was disposed of, whilst forty-three bomb disposal experts were deployed on the sixtieth anniversary of the [[Normandy landings]], seventeen on the sixtieth anniversary of the [[Operation Dragoon|landing in Provence]], and sixteen during the visit of [[Pope John Paul II]] to [[Lourdes]].<ref name='FIbomb' /> |
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== |
== References == |
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{{reflist|30em}} |
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307 ''Sécurité Civile'' [[bomb disposal]] experts are based at 20 bomb disposal units, including 2 overseas units (Guadeloupe and [[French Guiana]]). They are responsible for the detection, removal, disposal or destruction of suspicious objects. They also provide assistance during official travel or large demonstrations and de-arm and destroy unexploded ammunition still present from the two world wars.<ref name='FIbomb'>[http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/sections/a_l_interieur/defense_et_securite_civiles/services-operationnels/deminage French Interior Ministry - Bomb Disposal (in French)]</ref> |
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In 2004, 399.161 tonnes (440 tons) of munitions was disposed of, whilst 43 bomb disposal experts were deployed on the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings, 17 on the 60th anniversary of the landing in Provence and 16 on the Pope's visit to Lourdes.<ref name='FIbomb' /> |
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== External links == |
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==References== |
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{{commons category|Sécurité Civile}} |
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{{reflist|3}} |
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* [https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Le-ministere/Securite-civile - Sécurité Civile (in French)] |
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* [http://www.helico-dragon.com/ Sécurité Civile Helicopters (in French)] |
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* [http://www.helis.com/database/org/fr_french_civillian_security/ Sécurité Civile Helicopters fleet] |
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{{authority control}} |
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==External links== |
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*[http://www.interieur.gouv.fr/sections/a_l_interieur/defense_et_securite_civiles/view French Interior Ministry - Sécurité Civile (in French)] |
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*[http://www.net-aviation.com/reportages/01/GB_report_p1.htm The French "Securite Civile" Canadair Division] |
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*[http://www.aviation-francaise.com/AVIONS_Securite_Civile.htm Sécurité Civile Aircraft 1995-2005 (in French)] |
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*[http://www.helico-dragon.com/ Sécurité Civile Helicopters (in French)] |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Securite Civile}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Securite Civile}} |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Civil defense]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Emergency services in France]] |
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[[Category:Government agencies of France]] |
[[Category:Government agencies of France]] |
The Direction générale de la sécurité civile et de la gestion des crises (General directorate for civil defense and crisis management) is a civil defense agency of the French Government. It operates for the Ministry of the Interior and employs some 2,500 civilian and military personnel over 60 sites.[1] Known as the Protection Civile until 1976,[2] the Sécurité Civile is split into several branches:[3]
Sécurité Civile aircraft operate for the Rescue operation and civil-military cooperation branch under the Groupement des Moyens Aériens Sécurité Civile (Aerial Group).[4] Aircraft carry the title SECURITE CIVILE on the fuselage sides, together with the international civil defence symbol. The aircraft are divided into the Groupement des Helicopteres de la Securite Civile (Helicopter Group) and the Groupement des Avions Bombardiers d'Eau (Water Bomber Group).[5]
The Sécurité Civile helicopter group has 23 helicopter bases in mainland France and its overseas territories. It has a fleet of 35 helicopters and employs 230 pilots and flight engineers and 50 ground engineers. Over its 50 years of activity, the helicopter group has an impressive track record, with 480,000 flight hours, 250,000 rescue missions and 225,000 people rescued.[6] Helicopter group aircraft use the callsign "DRAGON", followed by the number of the département in which their base is located.[2]
Sécurité Civile currently operates 35 EC-145 helicopters that were delivered between 2002 and 2005. The fleet has accumulated over 100,000 flight hours.[6] The EC-145 fleet is used for search and rescue, fire fighting, emergency medical services (EMS), surveillance and law enforcement. EC-145s are deployed on 22 Sécurité Civile bases in France and the French Overseas Territories. An order has been placed for a further five helicopters, to be delivered from January 2009. This will enable the phasing out of the six remaining Alouette III helicopters.[7] The EC 145 carries out an average 10,000 rescue missions each year, representing over 13,300 flight hours.[6]
Helicopter group bases of operation are located at:.[8]
The Echelon Central (command centre), and helicopter maintenance base is located in Nîmes.
Helicopters are detached to several other bases seasonally. In summer, aircraft are detached to Courchevel, Alpes d'Huez, Gavarnie, Lacanau, and Chamonix. In winter, aircraft are detached to Chamonix and Alpes d'Huez.[8]
12 Bombardier 415s are currently operated by the Sécurité Civile, each able to drop 6,137 L (1,350 imp gal; 1,621 US gal).[9] France was the first nation to commit to the CL-415 "Superscoop" in 1992, so that it could phase out its Canadair CL-215s.[10]
Two pre-owned Bombardier Dash 8 Q400s, acquired from Scandinavian Airlines System, were modified by Cascade AerospaceofAbbotsford, British Columbia, for the Sécurité Civile to act as fire-fighting water bombers in fire season and as transport aircraft off season. This aircraft is designated the Q400-MR (Multi Role). The aircraft can be reconfigured into the passenger, cargo or aerial fire control role in under three hours[11] and can drop 10,000 L (2,200 imp gal; 2,600 US gal) in the tanker role.[12] 6 more ordered in 2017 for 365M€, 4 delivered by the end of 2021.
All fixed-wing aircraft are based at Garons Provence Airport.
307 Sécurité Civile bomb disposal experts are based at 20 bomb disposal units, including 2 overseas units (Guadeloupe and French Guiana). They are responsible for the detection, removal, disposal or destruction of suspicious objects. They also provide assistance during official travel or large demonstrations and disarm and destroy dormant ammunition still present from the two world wars.[13]
In 2004, 440 tonnes (430 long tons; 490 short tons) of munitions was disposed of, whilst forty-three bomb disposal experts were deployed on the sixtieth anniversary of the Normandy landings, seventeen on the sixtieth anniversary of the landing in Provence, and sixteen during the visit of Pope John Paul IItoLourdes.[13]