Europe pioneers 'firefighter donkeys' for wildfire prevention in high-risk areas
As wildfires rage in France and Spain, communities are adopting an innovative solution: using donkeys as 'firefighters' to prevent blazes. Initiatives like Tivissa Donkey Firefighters in Spain rehabilitate abandoned donkeys and deploy them to graze on dry grass and scrubland, reducing flammable vegetation in high-risk areas. This method is a cheaper and effective way to slow fires and reduce their intensity. The founder, Joan Cedo Sans, highlights donkeys' greater appetite and sturdiness compared to other grazing animals, and their trails also aid firefighting teams.
Key Points
- Donkeys are being used as 'firefighters' in Europe to prevent wildfires.
- They graze on dry vegetation, reducing the amount of flammable material in high-risk areas.
- This method is a cost-effective and efficient way to mitigate fire intensity and spread.
- Donkeys are preferred for their appetite, sturdiness, and the trails they create, which assist firefighters.
- Initiatives like Tivissa Donkey Firefighters rehabilitate abandoned donkeys for this purpose.
Exam Facts
- Initiatives: Tivissa Donkey Firefighters, El Burrito Feliz (Spain).
- Founder of Tivissa Donkey Firefighters: Joan Cedo Sans.
- Tivissa herd size: 62 donkeys.
- Founded: 2020 (during COVID-19 pandemic).
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