The influence of Pr3+ as a deactivating ion to shorten the lifetime of the 4I13/2 state of Er3+ is studied in fluoride glass (ZBLAN) fibres. The influence of clusters is shown to be of primary importance. Lasing performances of the Er3+ 4I11/2 --> 4I13/2 transition at 2.7-mu-m with different Pr3+/Er3+ ratio are also reported.