Aerial Fire fighters in action in Gampola
Two Bell 212 helicopters from No. 04 and No. 07 Squadrons stationed at
SLAF Base Rathmalana and Hingurakgoda were deployed this morning (22
February 2012) around 5.30 am to assist in retarding the spread of a
major forest fire which erupted in the Ambuluwawa mountain area close to
Gampola in the Kandy District.
Using water from Mahavali River, the helicopter crew of the first Bell 212 battled the fire with the aid of its underslung ‘Bambi bucket’ flying 05 consecutive shuttles and limited the spread of the raging flames.
The SLAF was requested to assist by the Disaster Management Center.
As at 11.30 this morning, the second helicopter had carried out 05 shuttles to continue the battle. SLAF aerial fire fighters are standing by to assist further.
Using water from Mahavali River, the helicopter crew of the first Bell 212 battled the fire with the aid of its underslung ‘Bambi bucket’ flying 05 consecutive shuttles and limited the spread of the raging flames.
The SLAF was requested to assist by the Disaster Management Center.
As at 11.30 this morning, the second helicopter had carried out 05 shuttles to continue the battle. SLAF aerial fire fighters are standing by to assist further.