FRENCH firefighters set themselves ablaze during clashes with cops in Paris amid a startling protest over working conditions and pay.

Earlier riot cops fired water cannons at hundreds of fire heroes as they massed in the French capital for the high-profile demonstration.

7 Firefighters set themselves alight on the streets of Paris Credit: Getty Images - Getty

7 They massed in the French capital for a high-profile demonstration Credit: Reuters

Some of the emergency workers, gathered in Place de la Republique, even set fire to the uniforms they were wearing to bring attention to their ongoing plight.

Unions are calling for a pay rise of 25 per cent arguing their already dangerous work is being made increasingly difficult due to staff cuts and attacks against them.

However, when some protesters tried to tear down a fence near the Nation area of the city riot cops turned their water cannons on them.

One witness said although the firefighters were "militant" the fighting on both sides soon "got very ugly."

Today's violence came just three months after riot cops and firefighters were involved in shocking clashes on the streets of Paris.

Footage showed screaming protesters carrying banners forcing back baton-wielding cops.

7 Unions say their dangerous job is suffering because of job cuts Credit: Reuters

7 A hazard bonus given to all French firefighters has not changed since 1990 Credit: Getty Images - Getty

7 The fire heroes are now calling for a 25 per cent pay rise Credit: EPA

One shield-bearing police officer was seen spraying CS gas directly into the faces of the firefighters as they try and force their way through a police barrier.

Bricks, lumps of wood and fists were also thrown as the clashes turned increasingly violent.

Other clips showed running battles through the historic streets of Paris - as tear gas canisters rained down on those below.

On Sunday it was reported riot-stricken France ordered the ‘immediate withdrawal’ of a police teargas grenade that has caused multiple injuries including anti-government protesters having their fingers blown off.