Lithuanian Firefighters Help To Battle Wildfires in France
The team of 32 of Lithuanian firefighters and 8 command group members, who departed to France, reached its final deployment point in the Bordeaux region yesterday evening. Today, the team is beginning its first operations in the designated location.
Upon arriving at the base last night, the Lithuanian firefighters met with the representatives coordinating the mission, attended the initial briefing on the situation, and received instructions on their planned tasks. Teams of firefighters from Ukraine, Slovakia, and Croatia, who have arrived to assist France, are also stationed at the same base.
Before departing to the operation site, the Lithuanian officers participated in a symbolic ceremony at the base to honor Ukrainian firefighters who died in the line of duty. It is a tradition at this international base to honor firefighters from different countries once a week who have died in the line of duty, whether at home or on international missions.
On the first day of work, it was decided that the entire team of 40 personnel, firefighters and the command group, would work at the operation site. In the coming days, depending on the situation at the fire site, the French operational command will decide whether the Lithuanian team will continue to work in the same sector or be transferred to another operational location.
According to French officials, the largest open flames in this region have already been brought under control, but the most important thing now is to ensure that the fire does not reignite. To this end, deep-seated hot spots are being extinguished, the forest floor is being dug up, and the area is being constantly monitored for even smoldering spots.
The team was deployed to France through the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism. The team consists of 40 officers from the State Fire and Rescue Service and nine specialized vehicles, including five fire engines adapted for use in challenging wildfire conditions.
Last updated: 06-08-2026
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