While Fighting Dangerous Wildfire, Firefighters Stop To Rescue Deer Tangled In Power Line

Nov 30, 2018

In California, wildfires have caused more devastation than many of us can even imagine. Homes have been burned and destroyed, and countless families displaced. Countless people have opened their homes and offered help to those in need - including to the animals affected by these fires.

This goes beyond pets and domesticated animals, too. The Mohawk Valley Fire Department of Oregon has been assisting the efforts in Paradise, California by putting out and preventing the spread of fires in that area.

As they worked, they came across a deer caught in a fallen power line and wasted no time stepping in to help the trapped animal.

The Eugene Springfield Firefighters Instagram posted the video of the rescue, capturing the moment the firefighters cut the animal free from the power line.

In the video, the firefighters approach the deer with caution and respect for his space - an important thing to consider anytime you're trying to help wildlife out of a tricky situation like this one. When an animal is frightened and injured or trapped, one of the most crucial things to remember is to keep yourself calm and aware of the animal's body language.

They give off warning signals just as people do when they're upset, and in the video, the animal is wary of the men trying to help him. But the firefighters stay level-headed through the whole ordeal and once the deer is freed, they wait for him to make the next move.

We have to remember that the best way to help a wild animal isn't always rushing in to save them on our own. If you want to keep everyone safe - people, pets, and wildlife alike - call a wildlife rehabilitation center to get in touch with the professionals who know how to help these animals. They can treat the animals suffering from the wildfires, just like the firefighters did for this deer.

Many people have put out resources like food and water for wild animals in the burn areas, but this is actually counterproductive and can hurt wildlife more than it helps. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area posted on their Facebook Page about how you can best handle the situation if you do happen to come across an injured animal.

As much as we all want to come to an animal's rescue, it's important that we do it right. If you see an animal needing help, call your local wildlife rehabilitation center to determine the best course of action.

What do you think of this inspiring story? Show this article to your friends and family so these firefighters get the recognition they deserve!