A Bell 212 helicopter from No. 04 Squadron at SLAF Ratmalana was deployed this afternoon (27th January 2014) around 01.45 pm to assist in retarding the spread of a forest fire which erupted in the wetland areas of Pubudugama in Muthurajawela.

Using water from a natural tank in Muthurajawela, the crew of Bell 212 helicopter battled the fire with the aid of its under slung ‘Bambi bucket’ flying 34 consecutive sorties and limited the spread of the raging fire close to Pubudugama Village. The SLAF was requested to assist by the Disaster Management Center.