Utah firefighter removes fawn from path of wildfire flames in iconic photo
Jul 12, 2022, 10:38 AM | Updated: 3:17 pm
Ross Cooper of Unified Fire rescues a mule deer fawn in the path of flames from the Dry Creek Fire (Cameron Sessor)
(Cameron Sessor)
SALT LAKE CITY —— A powerful photo of a Utah firefighter rescuing a mule deer fawn serves as a reminder that the cost of wildfires extends beyond humans.
Ross Cooper of Unified Fire was part of the team tackling the Dry Creek Fire in Millard County, Utah on July 8. It forced the evacuation of some campgrounds and wildlife in the area, mule deer included, also had to relocate as the blaze spread. It later approached structures and forced more evacuations.
Ross Cooper was part of the team attacking the blaze that roared to life east of Oak City.
Red Flag Warning weather conditions are expected today. It will be very hot (100 degrees), windy (25 with gusts 35 mph), and dry (RH down to 5%)! Besides protection of homes and communities we are also trying to protect habitat for wildlife such as these guys. #DryCreek Fire pic.twitter.com/WXsbq2dZDt
— Utah Fire Info (@UtahWildfire) July 9, 2022
Cooper stumbled on a mule deer fawn that he and his team took to safety. Wildlife flee fires, just like humans, but the fawn appeared abandoned. Cameron Sessor snapped the iconic firefighter rescue photo.
“Many young fawns have been seen in this area of this fire since this night,” Utah Fire Authority said.
Humans picking up or helping fawns is a practice Utah wildlife officials discourage, as often the animal’s mother will return to care for it, but Copper took the young deer out of the path of flames.
Dry Creek fire is calming down. Definitely looks better than the other fire in Millard County. Quite a few structures saved thanks to hardworking firefighters. pic.twitter.com/jFWF0NO5q9
— Deidre Henderson (@DeidreHenderson) July 9, 2022
