Massive wildfires sweeping across southwestern France have triggered an unprecedented international response. Under the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, Ukraine has dispatched a composite rescue team to France to assist in managing the disaster. The operation was launched on the direct order of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Specialists with unique experience
A team of 70 personnel, supported by 15 units of specialized equipment, has been sent to France. This was announced by Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Ivan Vykovsky. In his statement, he emphasized that Ukrainian rescuers possess unique experience working in extreme conditions, gained through responding to the aftermath of Russian attacks and conducting complex search-and-rescue operations.
Operational details were finalized the previous day during online talks between Ukraine’s Interior Minister and France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. Vykovsky also noted that, if needed, Kyiv is prepared to deploy aircraft from the State Emergency Service (SES) to assist French counterparts.
Catastrophic situation in Gironde
The most critical situation has developed in the Gironde department in the country’s southwest. Flames have consumed approximately 42,000 hectares of forest. Due to the direct threat to residential areas, more than 200,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes.
By the morning of July 31, the situation in the region began to stabilize, allowing some residents to return home. However, danger levels remain high around Arcachon Bay and Cap Ferret. To combat the blaze, French authorities have mobilized thousands of firefighters, military personnel, and aircraft, while also activating EU international assistance mechanisms.
Crisis management and weather forecast
French President Emmanuel Macron convened a crisis meeting to coordinate firefighting efforts. The fire has already destroyed tens of thousands of hectares of forest, triggering large-scale evacuations.
The situation is further complicated by meteorological forecasts: a new wave of extreme heat is expected, which could worsen conditions and spark new ignitions. Earlier, on July 29, Volodymyr Zelenskyy officially confirmed Ukraine’s readiness to assist France in combating this large-scale disaster.
