Forces d'Intervention Rapide de l'Électricité (FIRE): Air Touraine on the Front Line for ENEDIS

 

What is FIRE?

 

ENEDIS' Forces d'Intervention Rapide de l'Électricité (FIRE) are teams specially trained and equipped to take emergency action in the event of weather-related incidents that damage power grids. Their missions include:

  • Rapid damage assessment: inspection of affected lines and equipment.
  • Restoration of power supply: implementation of temporary or permanent solutions.
  • Infrastructure safety: risk prevention for residents and emergency crews.
  • Logistical support: transporting equipment and technicians to hard-to-reach sites.

Thanks to collaboration with partners such as Air Touraine, these operations are becoming faster and more efficient.

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Why mobilize Air Touraine helicopters for FIRE?

Storms and climatic incidents, such as high winds, flooding or snowfall, can make many areas inaccessible by road. Air Touraine's helicopters make it possible to overcome these constraints thanks to their many advantages:

1. Rapid damage diagnosis

Helicopters can fly over vast areas in a very short time, identifying downed power lines, broken poles or obstacles such as fallen trees.

2. Access to isolated areas

Electricity infrastructures in mountains, forests or flooded areas become accessible thanks to helicopters capable of landing as close as possible to intervention zones.

3. Network security

In the event of downed lines or short-circuits, helicopters ensure rapid intervention to minimize the risk of accidents or fires.

4. Logistical assistance

Air Touraine's helicopters transport technicians and equipment directly to intervention sites, considerably reducing response times.

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Air Touraine's VLAE helicopter capabilities

State-of-the-art equipment

The helicopters used by Air Touraine are specially designed for emergency missions. They are equipped with :

  • Thermal cameras: to identify overheating or voltage points on power lines.
  • LIDAR sensors: to map damaged areas with extreme precision.
  • Advanced GPS systems: to coordinate operations with teams on the ground and at the crisis center.

A qualified team

Air Touraine's pilots and technicians are trained to operate in difficult conditions, such as high winds or complex environments, while ensuring the safety of their operations.

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Concrete examples of response to climate crises

Air Touraine helicopters have been mobilized on numerous occasions during recent climatic events. Here's an overview:

Winter storm in the Centre-Val de Loire region

Downed power lines in wooded areas were quickly located by aerial surveys. Air Touraine crews brought in heavy equipment to enable repairs to be carried out within 24 hours.


Flooding in western France

Following heavy flooding, several villages were cut off from the power grid. Helicopters were used to install temporary power lines pending permanent repairs.

 

Episode of violent winds in the South-East

With roads blocked by falling trees, the helicopters enabled ENEDIS teams to quickly reach the affected areas and restore electricity to thousands of homes.

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A solid partnership with ENEDIS

The partnership between ENEDIS and Air Touraine is based on years of effective collaboration. Air Touraine stands out for :

  • Immediate availability: rapid mobilization of helicopters and crews, 24/7.
  • Proven technical expertise: dozens of successful assignments every year.
  • A responsible approach: minimizing the carbon footprint of operations through targeted solutions.

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Preparing for growing climate challenges

With global warming, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. The collaboration between ENEDIS and Air Touraine is part of a proactive approach to strengthening the resilience of electricity networks in the face of these challenges.

Air Touraine's strengths for the future :

  • A fleet that is constantly being modernized to meet the specific needs of FIRE.
  • Teams trained in the latest technologies and best practices in aerial intervention.
  • A commitment to innovation to further improve the speed and safety of operations.

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Contact us to find out more

Air Touraine puts its expertise at the service of critical missions such as ENEDIS' FIRE. Would you like to find out more about our capabilities or discuss a specific project? Contact our team today. Together, we're rising to the challenges of the climate to guarantee the safety and continuity of the power grid.

Air Touraine: a trusted partner for fast, efficient interventions.
 

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