Spirits Between the Alevi Communities

In forest fires, not only trees but also the silent creatures living in those forests suffer severe harm. While preparing this article, my aim was to highlight that even if an animal survives the flames, it requires extremely delicate care. Recognizing how critical the initial intervention is has once again reminded us that veterinary medicine demands not only knowledge but also empathy. I hope these insights save lives when needed.

Wild animals rescued during and after forest fires may be exposed to numerous traumatic factors, including intense heat, smoke, burns, and stress. Therefore, the initial intervention is critical both for the animal’s survival and for the successful progression of subsequent treatment.

^{A Turtle Surviving a Forest Fire (AA)}

Animals rescued from the fire zone must first be moved to temporary shelter areas that are distant from smoke and heat, quiet, and well-ventilated. Specialized transport containers appropriate to the animal’s species should be used, and direct physical handling of injured animals should be minimized.

Remaining calm during the transport of animals after a fire is itself a life-saving intervention. Even the smallest mistake during this process can lead to shock or even fatal consequences. One of the most valuable lessons I learned at veterinary school was that silence can also be a form of intervention.

The initial assessment, conducted by a veterinarian or a qualified wildlife expert, includes checking the following:

• Respiratory rate and difficulty
• Level of consciousness
• Visible extent of burns
• Body temperature and signs of fluid loss
• Mobility and balance

During the initial assessment, intervention priority is determined using the TRIAGE (priority classification) system:

1. Red – Priority / Emergency (Life-threatening): Immediate intervention is required; without it, the animal may die.
2. Yellow – Moderate Emergency (Delayable): No immediate life threat, but the condition may worsen if not treated soon.
3. Green – Minor / Ambulatory (Postponable): No life threat; the animal can be treated and discharged with simple care.
4. Black – Hopeless / Deceased (No chance of survival even with intervention): Injuries are fatal or the animal is already dead.

If veterinary care is not immediately available, the following steps should be taken:

• Use a towel or cloth to gently carry and place the animal in a container, ensuring both your safety and the animal’s.
• Move the animal away from the fire zone.
• If conscious, the animal may be given small amounts of water; if unconscious, there is a risk of aspiration.
• For birds and rodents especially, a quiet, dark environment is preferred.
• Cool water may be gently applied to burns, even if sterile water is not available.

Animals rescued from fires commonly suffer from dehydration^【1】 and electrolyte imbalances. Fluids appropriate to the animal’s species, such as subcutaneous^【2】  or intravenous^【3】    , are administered.

Animals that have inhaled smoke may experience airway irritation, edema, or carbon monoxide poisoning. They should be provided with clean air and, if necessary, an oxygen mask.

Burns should be gently cleaned with sterile saline solution. For deep burns, topical antibiotic ointments are applied and pain is managed. Fur around burned areas is carefully shaved to reduce infection risk.

^{A Dog Struggling to Survive a Forest Fire (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)}

After a traumatic event such as a fire, animals experience intense stress. Stress-related deaths are particularly common in birds, rodents, and reptiles. Therefore, it is essential that they be kept in a low-light, quiet, and isolated environment.

The animal’s digestive system may be compromised, so feeding should be avoided for the first 12–24 hours until a veterinary assessment is completed. Nothing should be given to the animal without veterinary approval.

To prevent bacterial or fungal infection^【4】 infection risks, the animal must be isolated from other animals.

The recovery process is monitored individually. Before reintroduction to the natural habitat, the animal’s physical health, orientation ability, foraging reflexes, and overall behavior are observed. Once sufficient recovery is achieved, the animal is released back into the wild. Some individuals, due to permanent injuries, may continue to live in rehabilitation centers.

Forest fires often reduce not only the natural environment but also the lives of thousands of silent creatures to ashes. Therefore, initial intervention is not merely a medical procedure—it is also an ethical responsibility. Every living being deserves protection unconditionally.

Nature does not belong to us; we are part of nature. And together, we can heal its wounds.