Ukrainian rescuers in Gironde: how the State Emergency Service team is fighting the fire in France

A combined team of the State Emergency Service (SES) of Ukraine has arrived in the Gironde department in southwestern France. The mission of the rescuers is to assist in extinguishing a massive forest fire that has already covered more than 42,000 hectares. This is a response to Paris's request for international support amid unprecedented heat.

Scale of the disaster

The situation in the region remains critical. According to Aurelien Petit, Deputy Head of Operational Activities of the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS 33), the fire covers an area of about 42,000 hectares, and its perimeter reaches 240 kilometers. The fire has destroyed tens of thousands of hectares of forest, and thousands of local residents have been forced to leave their homes.

French President Emmanuel Macron has already convened a crisis meeting to coordinate the actions of the authorities. Meteorologists warn of a new wave of extreme heat, which could further exacerbate the situation and make the work of firefighters more difficult.

Experience valued by partners

Upon arrival, the Ukrainian team held a working meeting with the leadership of the French service and representatives of the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre. The French side highly appreciated the practical experience of Ukrainian specialists, noting that they would work on the most difficult sections.

Currently, Ukraine represents the largest international team among all the countries involved. Immediately after the coordination meeting, the team went directly to the disaster area. Specialists conducted a reconnaissance of the area, assessed the operational situation, and inspected locations where they had already begun to extinguish the fire and contain the flames.

Response to the challenge

The decision to help was made promptly. On July 29, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the country was ready to help France fight massive forest fires. Now Ukrainian rescuers are on the front line, using their unique experience to protect French forests from the fire.