Chile’s National Forest Corporation has sent an AS332 Super Puma helicopter to assist Argentina in firefighting efforts in Patagonia. The helicopter will drop large quantities of water and will operate for at least 14 days. This deployment responds to significant wildfires that have decimated thousands of hectares of forest due to extreme weather conditions, particularly affecting two national parks.
Chile’s National Forest Corporation (CONAF) has deployed an AS332 Super Puma helicopter to assist in firefighting operations in the Patagonia region of Argentina. This helicopter, registered as ZT-RYC, will operate under the management of Ecocopter and Helisul, capable of dropping 3,500 liters of water per deployment.
The Super Puma is specifically assigned to the province of Neuquén and will support firefighting efforts for a duration of at least 14 days. This action is in direct response to severe wildfires affecting over 34,000 hectares of forest in the area, particularly in Nahuel Huapi National Park and Lanín National Park where extensive damage has occurred due to high temperatures and strong winds.
Francisco Arriagada, the Commercial Manager of Ecocopter and Helisul, expressed concern regarding the scale of the fires, emphasizing the commitment to protect the vital ecosystem. He affirmed, “We are committed to protecting people, communities, and the environment, which is why we have made the Super Puma and all our experience available to fight the fires in Argentine Patagonia.” Helisul had merged with Ecocopter in May of the previous year.
In summation, the deployment of the AS332 Super Puma helicopter stands as a significant international effort to combat the severe wildfires in Argentina’s Patagonia region. This firefighting support comes in light of a major environmental crisis affecting critical national parks. The collaboration between Chilean and Argentine firefighting services is vital in addressing this pressing issue.
Original Source: www.airmedandrescue.com
