French firefighters begin six-week strike over funding after record summer fires

France's firefighters have been heavily called upon this summer to tackle a series of wildfires, like here in Gironde, and are now campaigning for better pay and more ressources. © Emma Da Silva / AP

French professional firefighters launch a six-week nationwide campaign on Tuesday, demanding more funding, staff and better protection for their health after a summer of unprecedented wildfires.

At least 120,000 hectares went up in flames in France this summer – a record since satellite imagery was first used to measure wildfires 20 years ago.