How much to ring the pompiers?

Some non-urgent call-outs are "payant", such as removing a bee swarm (though perhaps not Asiatic wasps). But what about 241 euros for a fall not requiring a trip to hospital? Or 463 euros for reporting a suspect fire in a neighbouring building when there was no actual blaze discovered? These are charges to be brought in by Calvados department in an effort to reduce costs. The pompiers themselves are opposed to the move (are they paid per call-out, or is that cynical?), but the move could discourage genuine emergency calls.
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Tickets for the fireman's ball

Not a raffle, a dance. Tomorrow, 13th July, sees casernes of the sapeurs/pompiers  (the difference is philosophical the chef told us) taken over to entertainment and dances. On the eve of the national holiday it is traditional for our firefighters to throw open their fire stations to the general public to celebrate the service these dedicated amateurs give to our communities. And they are amateur only in that they don't get paid a salary. They come from all walks of life and are fully trained to help not just with fires, but with all emergencies. So if you are not actually there tomorrow evening spare a thought as you pass by a noisy caserne that these boys and girls deserve their night of fun. The next day they will be out and about controlling Bastille Day fireworks.
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You do not escape without giving me something!

A worried look came over the faces of the pompiers when I said this to them, changing to relief when I produced the camera. Well done all those lads who worked in the country doing unpaid work as a pompier, often dropping tools mid job to go and save someone who needs their help.
They gave a strong handshake these blokes,  as my recovering hand can vouch to.
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Hard working boys having a bit of fun

Val says I like the idea to promote the firefighters by saying "phone us on 18," sorry you got into trouble for it lads.

Although the YouTube clip filmed by a group of firefighters in the northern French city of Lille was a joke birthday gift, bosses certainly did not see the funny side.

The publicly posted video shows the bare-chested guys in their firefighting gear, but also working out and as well as in the shower,  while they lip synch to Carly Rae Jepsen's ubiquitous 2012 hit 'Call Me Maybe.'

http://www.thelocal.fr/page/view/video-french-firefighters-do-sexy-version-of-us