For three consecutive days, the Casanare - GACAS Air Group, of the Colombian Air Force - FAC, has carried out support operations in the extinction of forest fires that occurred in the vicinity of the Caño Limón petroleum complex, in the department of Arauca.
Despite the work done to contain the emergency, high temperatures and heavy winds have made the flames to spread, generating two new fire spots in this sector.
In order to face this emergency, the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), in coordination with the National Personnel Recovery Center (CENRP), issued an alert about these conflagration points, in the Panama village of Arauca and in the Chiribiquete sector on the petroleum island.
In response, the crew of the Huey II aircraft of the Colombian Air Force (FAC), equipped with the Bambi Bucket system, is making efforts to neutralize the flames and prevent their continued spread. During these three days of coordinated work, 107 water drops mixed with retardant liquid have been carried out.
At this time, no more hot spots are evident in the Caño Limón sector, which indicates that the environmental emergency has been controlled. However, the Colombian Aerospace Force continues to fly over the two new hit areas.
In the same way, troops on the ground of the Special Energetic and Road Battalion N°.16 in Arauca, are working hard in order to extinguish the flames.
In compliance with the provisions of the Ayacucho campaign plan and our institutional mission, the GACAS continues to contribute to the protection of the environment and the safety of civilians.
Source: GACAS Public Communications Office
