Lithuanian firefighters return from forest fire mission in France

A team of 40 Lithuanian firefighters from the ‘Perkūnas’ unit has returned to Lithuania following a two-week mission in southern France. Operating under the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, the team worked in the Bordeaux and Marseille regions to combat massive forest fires.

The wildfires in France necessitated the evacuation of approximately 220,000 people, destroyed over 200 homes, and scorched roughly 42,000 hectares of land. The Lithuanian responders were tasked with fire reconnaissance, extinguishing active flames, and protecting residential areas from spreading fires.

Interior Minister Martynas Katelynas noted that such missions demonstrate Lithuania’s solidarity with European partners and strengthen international cooperation. Mission leader Dalius Kunigėlis and Deputy Director Kęstutis Agintas emphasized that the experience gained during these high-intensity operations provides invaluable practical skills that can be applied to firefighting efforts within Lithuania.