On Saturday morning, May 10, 2025, a volunteer firefighter was seriously injured in Évian-les-Bains (Haute-Savoie) while attempting to intervene in an urban rodeo occurring in front of his fire station. The incident unfolded around 6:00 AM when the 38-year-old firefighter, a father of a three-year-old child, confronted individuals performing dangerous stunts with their vehicles.
Witnesses reported that multiple cars had been participating in the illegal rodeo, which took place in the parking lot of the nearby Rives du Léman college. As the firefighters on duty were alerted to the situation, they stepped outside to address the reckless behavior. Unfortunately, one of the drivers, identified as Charly B., a 19-year-old with a history of trouble with the law, deliberately drove his vehicle into the firefighter, striking him from behind and propelling him several meters into the air.
The impact was devastating, and the firefighter suffered severe head and chest injuries. He was airlifted to Annecy hospital in critical condition, with his prognosis being life-threatening. Following the incident, Charly B. fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after by police from the Thonon-les-Bains police station. He is known to authorities for past offenses related to drug trafficking and drunk driving, and he reportedly refused to undergo tests for alcohol and drugs at the time of his arrest.
Additionally, police arrested another individual, aged 20, who was also involved in the rodeo. In the vehicle that struck the firefighter, officers found three canisters of nitrous oxide and remnants of an alcohol bottle, adding further gravity to the situation.
The incident has sparked outrage and reignited discussions around the impunity often associated with urban rodeos and the dangers they pose to emergency responders. Emmanuelle Dubée, the prefect of Haute-Savoie, expressed her support for the victim's family and colleagues, emphasizing the need for safety and respect for those who serve in emergency roles.
In a show of solidarity, the Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, is expected to visit the fire station later in the day to offer his support. He has previously called for stricter measures against urban rodeos, urging law enforcement to take decisive action against those who endanger public safety.
Local politicians have also reacted strongly to the incident. Antoine Armand, a deputy for Haute-Savoie, condemned the violence and expressed his thoughts for the firefighter and his family on social media. Similarly, Virginie Duby-Muller, another local deputy, demanded exemplary sanctions for those who attack emergency services, stating, "It is urgent to say stop to impunity. [...] Our security forces and rescuers are often targeted by individuals who do not respect the law or human life. In the face of this unacceptable violence, we must demand immediate and firm sanctions."
The tragic event has brought to light the ongoing issues surrounding urban rodeos in France, which have become increasingly prevalent and dangerous. As authorities continue to grapple with this growing phenomenon, the safety of first responders remains a pressing concern.
As this story develops, the community of Évian-les-Bains and the firefighting community are rallying to support their injured colleague. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks emergency personnel face daily while serving their communities.
