The dispatch of Ukrainian rescuers to extinguish forest fires in France is the first mission of a Ukrainian team to provide assistance to a European Union member state within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported, showing a video of the firefighters departing, writes UNN.
Details
"Ukrainian rescuers have departed for France to help fight massive forest fires. This is the first mission of a Ukrainian team to provide assistance to a European Union member state within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism," the State Emergency Service reported.
As noted, the combined unit includes 70 rescuers and 15 units of special equipment: 10 fire trucks, 2 cargo vehicles, a medical vehicle, and buses for transporting personnel.
Ukraine sent 70 firefighters and equipment to France to combat forest fires31.07.26, 09:53
"Ukrainian rescuers know well the price of fighting for life. Just yesterday, they worked under shelling, cleared rubble after Russian missile strikes, rescued people from destroyed buildings, eliminated the consequences of enemy attacks, and extinguished fires caused by war. It is this experience that has made them among the most prepared specialists in emergency response. Now they will help their French colleagues tame the fire element," the State Emergency Service emphasized.
As the State Emergency Service stressed, "this mission is another confirmation that mutual support knows no borders." "Despite the unprecedented challenges Ukraine faces every day, our state remains a reliable partner of the international community," the statement said.
Recall
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that he spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron and offered France assistance in extinguishing the fires.
In France, nearly 42,000 hectares have been destroyed by forest fires, as firefighters continue to battle a large forest fire in the southwest of the country, near Bordeaux.