Through the smoke and fire, an AP photographer captures a man on a motorcycle carrying a sheep

PATRAS, Greece (AP) — Thanassis Stavrakis is the AP’s chief photographer for Greece, Cyprus, Albania and North Macedonia. He has been with The Associated Press since 2000.

Here’s what he had to say about this extraordinary photo.

Why this photo?

This photograph was taken during an assignment covering the major wildfires in Patras, the third largest city of Greece. It was captured in the late afternoon, shortly before our departure back to Athens. After a long day covering the wildfires in another suburb and making aftermath images, the fire had broken out in the suburbs of Patras, in the hillside neighborhoods. We went to assess the situation with our local contact.

How I made this photo

I covered some meters as firefighters and volunteers were trying to save houses from the blazes. After I finished, AP cameraman Srdjan Nedeljcovic told me, “Hold on a moment—some animals are being brought down on motorbikes.” I wondered how that would even be possible.

As we waited, two individuals who had gone up a narrow cement road with motorbikes returned. I saw the first one, Olsjen Mucobega, 32, from Albania who lives in Greece, holding what initially appeared to be a large dog. He was shouting to the crowd - around 40 people, helping and watching - to make way so he could pass through. As he came closer, I realized he was carrying a sheep, which left a strong impression on me. The animal was cradled securely in his arms.

The photo was taken after many hours spent covering the fires, toward the end of the day, exhausted under the pressure of fatigue and the urgency to send the image quickly. I took around twenty images of him but, for sure, that was the best one frame.

When covering wildfires of this magnitude - now common across Southern Europe - we always wear protective gear: masks covering the nose, goggles, fire-resistant pants, and jackets bearing the PRESS logo to distinguish us from firefighters.

Why this photo works

Within the frame, it encapsulates the entire story: the urgency of Mucobega, driving with one hand while holding the sheep with the other - a truly unprecedented sight. In the background, as I crouched to include the flames, the image conveys the atmosphere of the moment and, more importantly, the chaotic reality we face every summer in Greece with wildfires - the anxiety and sorrow over burning forests.

The image resonated with many people, especially because it depicted the rescue of animals - creatures often left tied up, abandoned or simply without anyone there to save them. Thankfully, this man and many other young individuals managed to rescue dozens of animals.

What keeps you going and alert, is the passion to photograph what is truly happening.

For more extraordinary AP photography, click here.