While this does sometimes happen, the phrase is more commonly used in a figurative sense, often to criticise politicians.
Why do I need to know pompier pyromane?
Because you might hear this after an investigation into the origins of a fire or during a political crisis.
What does it mean?
Pompier pyromane - roughly pronounced pom-pee-ay pee-roe-man (listen here) - translates as ‘pyromaniac firefighter’ or ‘arsonist firefighter’.
Literally, it refers to a firefighter who starts a fire, usually with the implication that he or she would be the one to extinguish it. There have been several real cases of firefighters starting forest fires in recent years.
The term has taken on particular resonance during France's exceptionally severe 2026 wildfire season, in which more than 100,000 hectares have burned since the start of the year.
Since June 28th, authorities have arrested 263 people suspected of starting forest fires. Investigators believe around two-thirds of the fires were started deliberately, with some suspects reported to be firefighters themselves - true pompiers pyromanes.
But the phrase also has a symbolic meaning, which you might hear coupled with the phrase syndrome du pompier pyromane (pyromaniac firefighter syndrome) - which refers to anyone who creates a problem in order to be the one to offer a solution.
It's often used in its figurative sense to describe politicians who advertise their ability to solve a problem they themselves caused, without acknowledging any responsibility.
In everyday French, pyromane can also be used metaphorically. It describes someone who deliberately stirs up trouble, fuels conflict or creates chaos, even when no actual fire is involved.
For example, if you have a colleague who is constantly causing catastrophes and then swooping in to 'fix' them. An English equivalent might be ‘hero syndrome’.
Use it like this
L'opposition affirme que le président adore jouer au pompier pyromane. Il adore agir comme s'il avait les solutions, mais les problèmes sont de sa faute. - The opposition says that the president loves to play the hero. He loves to act as if he has the solutions, but the problems are his fault.
Le pompier pyromane a été arrêté après que les autorités ont découvert qu'il avait allumé sept incendies dans des zones boisées pendant une période de sécheresse. - An 'arsonist firefighter' was arrested after authorities discovered that he had started seven fires in wooded areas during a period of drought.
Arrête de jouer au pyromane ! - Stop stirring things up!
