What significant change did the French government implement regarding firefighting costs?

The significant change made by the French government regarding firefighting costs was to make firefighting free of charge. This decision reflects a shift in public policy aimed at ensuring that emergency services, particularly firefighting, are accessible to all citizens without financial barriers. By eliminating fees for firefighting services, the government aims to encourage prompt reporting of fires and emergencies, which ultimately helps protect lives and property.

In contrast, other options involve various forms of charging for services or requiring financial contributions, which do not align with the policy of making firefighting services freely available to the public. For instance, charging less for service or increasing fees for late calls would still impose costs on individuals. Similarly, establishing donation systems would rely on voluntary contributions, which could create disparities in access to services. The decision to make firefighting services free is rooted in the principle that public safety should not be commodified and should be a universal right.