Thick plumes of smoke clouded the French city of Lyon on Tuesday, as firefighters gathered in protests demanding higher salaries, as 'yellow vest' protests against the government continue across France.

Police forces were deployed as Lyon's firefighters blocked the streets of the city and marched towards the Bellecour square with torches and banners.

The firefighters' strike comes just a few days before the popular 'Fete des Lumieres' which attracts thousands of visitors to Lyon.

The "yellow vest" movement has grown in the past weeks, as the government plans a tax increase on fuel, including gasoline and diesel, beginning on January 1, 2019 to promote environmentally friendly practices.