Ukrainian rescuers saved a fawn during a fire in France
Ukrainian rescue workers, who are helping their French colleagues fight massive wildfires, rescued a small roe deer. The animal was found in the middle of a burned-out forest with scorched legs. Firefighters provided first aid and handed it over to local volunteers.
While fighting a massive forest fire in France, Ukrainian emergency responders spotted a fawn with burn injuries. It was surrounded by hectares of forest that had turned to black ash in a matter of hours. The animal was still trying to run away, but because of its burns, its legs barely worked. Rescuers carefully picked up the fawn, gave it water, examined it, and calmed it down.
Afterward, the little one was transported by fire truck to the nearest village. There, it was handed over to volunteers who care for animals affected by the fire.
The State Emergency Service noted that the fawn had been given a chance at life. Rescuers expressed hope that it would eventually run through the forest again, which will undoubtedly recover after the fire and turn green once more. “The true strength of rescuers is measured not only by the number of fires extinguished. It lies in the ability—even in the midst of a fiery inferno—to stop and help those who cannot save themselves,” the State Emergency Service noted.
Ukrainians Are Helping Fight Fires in France
Ukrainian rescue workers are operating in France as part of the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism. At the instruction of the President of Ukraine, a combined detachment of 70 emergency responders and 15 specialized vehicles was dispatched to the country.
The day before, Ukrainian Interior Minister Ivan Vyhovskyi held online talks with French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez. The parties discussed the work of the Ukrainian team and the situation with the fires.
Ukraine is also prepared, if necessary, to send aircraft from the State Emergency Service to France to assist in extinguishing large-scale fires. Vygivskyi emphasized that Ukrainian rescuers have extensive experience working in challenging conditions. They regularly deal with the aftermath of Russian attacks, extinguish large-scale fires, and conduct search-and-rescue operations.
The French welcome Ukrainian rescuers with applause
Local residents are also showing their support for the Ukrainian team. As the convoy of Ukrainian firefighters traveled to their mission site, the French greeted them with applause, shook their hands, and thanked them in Ukrainian. The State Emergency Service emphasized that such moments have become a symbol of solidarity between the two countries. “Gratitude knows no language barriers. It lives in glances, warm handshakes, and in that feeling when strangers become family for a moment,” the agency noted.
Ukrainian rescuers have been helping their French colleagues fight large-scale wildfires for several days now. The story of the little fawn was one of those moments that show: even in the midst of a massive fire, rescuers find time to help those who cannot save themselves. “Even in the hardest times, humanity knows no borders,” the State Emergency Service added. This was reported by the State Emergency Service.
Forest fires in southern France have not only destroyed homes but also led to the discovery of an old cache of ammunition. In the municipality of Le Porge, approximately 400 shells and other ammunition dating back to World War II were found. Some of them exploded right during the fire due to the high temperatures.
