A Bell 212 helicopter from No. 07 Squadron of SLAF Base at Hingurakgoda successfully doused a major forest fire erupted in Namini Oya, Wilgamuwa about 20Km from Pallegama, last afternoon (15 August).

Using water from an adjacent Tank using “bambi buckets”, the helicopter crew succeeded in dousing the raging flames within 16 consecutive shuttles. The fire which erupted in the hours of the afternoon destroyed vegetation and posed a threat to the lives of people and the vegetation in Hettipola village before the SLAF crew brought it under control.

The mission was led by Squadron Leader Prasanna Gunaratne with Pilot Officer Randunuge as his co-pilot.