The Colombian Air Force has activated a strategic deployment to combat the forest fires that have hit the country in recent days. This operation responds to what was announced by the Commander of the FAC, General Luis Carlos Córdoba Avendaño, in Neiva, where he reaffirmed the Institution's commitment to the protection of life and the country's natural resources.
The announcement was made during the visit conducted by General Córdoba, with the Director of the National Unit for Risk Management (UNGRD) and the Governor of Huila, due to an overflight in the areas hit by the conflagrations.
Three aircraft have been fulfilling the requirements to support the extinguishing of fires in Huila since this morning; a Ranger aircraft, which has the mission of flying over the area to determine the fire points to attack, two more helicopters, a Black Hawk and a Huey II, with the Bamby Bucket systems, are the equipment that through a large basket can drop up to 600 gallons of water in a direct rain on the conflagrations.
This deployment in the same way has highly trained personnel, including pilots and special technical operators, who are working in close coordination with local authorities and emergency agencies. This inter-institutional work seeks to support the authorities on the ground in their extinction operation, as well as protect the flora, fauna and communities at risk.
The Commander of the Colombian Air Force highlighted the importance of these operations, pointing out that people can: “Have full confidence that are at the center of all the assistance that such situations require,” the Colombian Air Force will continue to support the situation in Huila, hoping that this week the current emergency can be neutralized.
It is worth noting, that the Air Force has been providing care in the department and various emergencies in the country since the last August 17, 2024.
More than 130 flight hours have been used by the Colombian Air Force to support the forest fires in the country, carrying out more than 300 water drops and using about 100 thousand gallons of water and retardant liquid on the burnt areas.
It is worth noting that the operation against the emergencies have been assisted together with the local and departmental authorities, the fire departments of each region, UNGRD, Army, Police, Civil Defense, Red Cross and the hard work of civilians, who have worked hand in hand with the Colombian Air Force, to control the conflagrations.
Source: Colombian Air Force
