Chile’s CONAF has dispatched an AS332 Super Puma helicopter to help combat extensive wildfires in Argentina, especially in the Neuquén province. The helicopter can drop up to 3,500 liters of water and will operate for at least 14 days. This action is in response to wildfires that have destroyed over 34,000 hectares of forest, intensified by adverse weather conditions.
Chile’s National Forest Corporation (CONAF) has sent an AS332 Super Puma helicopter to assist in battling wildfires in Argentina’s Patagonia region. The helicopter, identified as registration ZT-RYC, will be managed by Ecocopter and Helisul, and has the capacity to drop approximately 3,500 liters of water per operation.
The deployment is focused on the province of Neuquén and is expected to provide airtime support for a minimum of 14 days. This decision follows catastrophic wildfires that have ravaged more than 34,000 hectares of forest, including significant portions of the Nahuel Huapi National Park in Río Negro and Lanín National Park in Neuquén.
The fire crisis has been exacerbated by high temperatures and strong winds, raising concerns among officials. Francisco Arriagada, Commercial Manager of Ecocopter and Helisul, expressed that the situation requires urgent attention to safeguard the region’s valuable ecosystems.
In a recent statement, Arriagada emphasized the commitment of the teams involved: “We are deeply concerned by the magnitude of the fires in Argentine Patagonia and we are providing support to protect this valuable ecosystem” – Francisco Arriagada. Helisul, recently merged with Ecocopter in May, is leveraging its assets to tackle the emergency effectively.
The Chilean government’s deployment of the Super Puma helicopter underscores the urgency of addressing the wildfire crisis in Argentine Patagonia. The collaborative efforts between Chilean and Argentinian firefighting authorities aim to mitigate the damage and protect critical ecosystems. The ongoing situation is exacerbated by environmental factors, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in disaster management.
Original Source: www.airmedandrescue.com
