A current evaluation on first aid management for wildlife in the process of responding to the forest fires in Türkiye

This study provides a contemporary evaluation of first-aid management for wildlife during the forest fire response process in Türkiye. For this purpose, news, reports, articles and other written sources about the forest fires that occurred in Türkiye in the last five years and first aid practices for wildlife during these fires were analyzed through literature review, and information was collected by in-depth interview method through face-to-face or online interviews with some wildlife veterinarians firefighters of municipalities and fire first response teams of forest management directorates who played an active role in the process in question. In recent years, due to the increasing incidence of forest fires in Türkiye, the importance of first-aid management for wildlife during forest fires has become even more significant. First-aid management is critical for rescuing animals during fires and taking measures to ensure their survival in the aftermath. Animals are unable to escape the fire have a low chance of survival, making first-aid training highly essential for firefighting professionals and volunteer firefighters. Municipalities and the General Directorate of Forestry should coordinate and regularly organize these training programs. This will enhance the chances of survival for all living beings affected by the fire. The results of this study underscore the importance of implementing more effective first-aid management strategies to minimize the adverse effects of forest fires on wildlife and their habitats.