Conapo, the Autonomous Firefighters' Union, has declared a state of unrest in Sassari.

"We have reached a point," the statement reads, "that we can no longer consider normal: we lack manpower, resources to maintain efficient equipment, critical locations, and training issues persist. At risk are not only the working conditions of the firefighters, but their very ability to provide assistance to citizens."

Staffing problems, the use of overtime, difficulties with leave, and, according to Conapo, the paradox of Sardinian firefighters deployed on the mainland. "It is incomprehensible that Sardinian firefighters, already serving nationwide and ready to return to the island, cannot be adequately utilized to fill the serious personnel shortages plaguing Sardinia." The situation of the specialized diving and nautical units and the flight unit is also alarming, the statement continues, while administrative staffing is also insufficient for the complexity of the command's activities.

"The principle of insularity," another critical point emphasizes, "cannot remain a simple constitutional declaration. It must translate into resources, staffing, and services adequate to Sardinia's real needs. Public relief must also be empowered to overcome the disadvantages of insularity." The complaint then focuses on the initial breakdowns and, Conapo argues, the lack of sufficient resources even to replace a flat tire or purchase a simple pack of latex gloves, essential items for the firefighters' daily work.

"We have never experienced a situation like this. If there aren't resources to repair vehicles and ensure essential equipment, emergency services are truly at risk. A downed vehicle means one less resource available to intervene when a citizen needs help." The request is addressed to the higher offices of the Ministry of the Interior, starting with the Regional Directorate, asking for urgent action to ensure the Command has "the funds necessary for repairs and ordinary and extraordinary maintenance of emergency vehicles, as well as for the purchase of essential equipment for operational activities." Conapo also highlights the problems at service locations, in the areas of hygiene, health, logistics, and beyond, and the uncertainty regarding the construction timelines for the new facilities in Alghero and Arzachena, as well as those at the airports. Here too, the Ministry is appealing for intervention, "with clear timelines and defined priorities."

Regarding professional training, the call is for it to be "uniform, standardized, and accessible to all interested personnel, without disparities based on location or specialist qualification." Focusing in particular on the Basic SAF: "Training cannot become a factor of inequality between workers. If a skill is essential for safety and rescue operations, it must be guaranteed according to uniform and transparent criteria to all interested personnel." "The problem that concerns us most is the ongoing staffing shortage," states Pietro Nurra, Provincial Secretary of Conapo in Sassari. "For too long, personnel have been forced to work under intense pressure, with understaffed teams, overtime, and difficulties managing leave. We cannot consider this situation normal." "We call on institutions," he concludes, "at all levels, to intervene decisively. In particular, we call on Sardinian and national policymakers to address the staffing issue, taking into account the complexity of the Sassari Command and the specific geographical characteristics of the province."

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