Ukraine sends firefighters to help battle wildfires in France
Wildfire suppression efforts in France (photo: Getty Images)
Ukrainian emergency responders have been deployed to France to help combat massive wildfires. A 70-member rescue team and 15 specialized emergency vehicles have been sent to the country, Interior Minister Ivan Vyhivskyi said.
The Ukrainian team was deployed on the instructions of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy under the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
The day before, Ukraine's Interior Minister finalized the details of the operation during an online conversation with French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.
"Ukrainian emergency responders have unique experience working in extremely challenging conditions, including responding to the aftermath of Russian attacks, tackling large-scale fires, and carrying out complex search and rescue operations," Vyhivskyi said.
The interior minister also stressed that, if needed, Ukraine is ready to send aircraft from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine to assist its French counterparts.
Wildfire situation in France
The most critical situation has been recorded in southwestern France, particularly in the Gironde department. The fires have burned around 42,000 hectares of forest, forcing more than 200,000 people to leave their homes due to the direct threat to residential areas.
As of the morning of July 31, the situation in Gironde had been relatively stabilized, with some residents beginning to return home. However, the danger remains high near Arcachon Bay and Cap Ferret.
To combat the wildfires, the French authorities have deployed thousands of firefighters, military personnel, and aircraft, while also requesting international assistance through European Union mechanisms.
French President Emmanuel Macron has held an emergency meeting in response to the massive wildfires affecting the country.
The fires have already destroyed tens of thousands of hectares of forest, while thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes. At the same time, forecasters are warning of another wave of extreme heat that could further complicate the situation.
On July 29, Volodymyr Zelenskyy also announced that Ukraine was ready to provide France with assistance in combating the large-scale wildfires.
