Preparing firefighters to help animals before wildfires strike
Blog
When wildfires hit, animals are often injured, displaced and in urgent need of help. The first people to find them are usually frontline firefighters.
In Brazil’s Pantanal, one of the most fire-affected regions in the world, wildfire seasons are becoming more intense as conditions grow hotter and drier.
That’s why World Animal Protection is working alongside the Cerrado and Pantanal Animal Rescue Group, Gretap, to train firefighters to safely rescue wildlife during these emergencies. With the right training and equipment, more animals can be found, cared for and given a chance to return to the wild.
Firefighters participating in animal rescue training. (Photo: Rodrigo Gerhardt / World Animal Protection)
This work is part of a wider effort to protect animals from the growing impacts of climate change. As wildfires become more frequent and intense, we’re also helping protect and restore habitats and support more sustainable food systems, because when we protect animals, we’re also protecting the environment and the planet we all share.
Watch the video to see how this work is helping animals on the front lines.
Video footage by Mateus Nogueira for World Animal Protection.
Banner photo: Firefighters participating in animal rescue training. (Photo: Rodrigo Gerhardt / World Animal Protection)