Eyewitness Account: Forest Fires, Smoke, and Fighting in Evacuated Town

The town of Vovchansk is a scene of terror and grief as Russian forces continue their attack, forcing residents to flee for their lives. Sky News reporter Deborah Haynes was on the ground to witness the devastation and the heroic efforts of volunteer rescuers to evacuate those in danger.

As Haynes describes, the streets of Vovchansk were eerily empty, with smoke from fires and the sound of explosions filling the air. The residents, mainly elderly men and women, shared their fear of the fierce fighting that had erupted in their town. The volunteer rescuers braved the dangerous roads, dodging Russian artillery and drones to reach those in need of evacuation.

One particularly poignant moment was when the rescuers convinced Valentina, a 74-year-old woman, to leave her home despite her initial reluctance. The sound of an explosion nearby seemed to change her mind, and she gathered her belongings and boarded the minibus to safety.

The mayor of Vovchansk reported that 500 people had already been evacuated, but many more remained in the town, facing imminent danger. The evacuation efforts were ongoing, with more residents needing to be rescued from the war-torn town.

The bravery and selflessness of the volunteer rescuers in the face of such chaos and danger is truly inspiring. The story of Vovchansk is a reminder of the human cost of war and the resilience of those who refuse to give up hope in the darkest of times.