In order to prevent the spread of the forest fire that has been occurring since yesterday near the highway that leads from Floridablanca to Piedecuesta, in the department of Santander, the Colombian Aerospace Force sent a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, and today the Huey II helicopter joins this mission, both equipment configured with the Bambi Bucket system, which leads to carrying out water drops to mitigate environmental emergency.
More than 3,300 gallons of water combined with 6 gallons of retardant liquid have already been dropped to mitigate this conflagration that has already consumed more than 50 hectares and is damaging nearby villages; it is important to say that the lack of visibility due to the smoke endangers road safety.
The emergency control is being carried out in coordination with the National Personnel Recovery Center (CENRP), the No. 1 (Puerto Salgar), the Air Combat Command No. 5 with its crews, the National Risk Management Unit (UNGRD) and the Firefighters of Piedecuesta and Floridablanca.
According to experts, the fire was generated due to the high temperatures, which have been reported in this area of the country these days, so the authorities are asking people to inform in a timely manner about possible sources of fires to act promptly.
The Aerospace Force will continue to conduct this type of coordinated operations, which unites efforts to contribute to safeguarding the good physical condition of Colombians and protect the flora and fauna of the areas hit by this type of environmental emergencies.
