Chile Strengthens Its Firefighting Team with Modern Air Tractor Aircraft

October 30, 2024 0 Comments Last News Sin tags

The government and the U.S. Embassy present an advanced aircraft to combat wildfires, enhancing the effectiveness and speed of emergency response.

In a joint effort to strengthen response capabilities against the growing threat of wildfires, the Ministry of Agriculture, along with U.S. Ambassador to Chile Bernadette Meehan and other officials, unveiled the new Air Tractor AT-802A aircraft at Tobalaba Airfield.

This specialized firefighting aircraft can carry up to 3,200 liters of water and retardants and is capable of adjusting its discharge to terrain conditions, representing a major advancement in wildfire prevention and control in the country.

The Air Tractor AT-802A, with its ability to reach a cruising speed of 275 km/h, becomes a key asset in Chile's firefighting arsenal. Its state-of-the-art release system allows for precise and terrain-adapted discharge, significantly improving efficiency in hard-to-reach areas.

Aída Baldini, Director of the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), emphasized the government's efforts to prepare for the fire season and highlighted the importance of citizen collaboration in preventing these disasters.

Ambassador Meehan underscored the cooperation between Chile and the United States in wildfire prevention and firefighting, mentioning joint training and technical assistance provided through USAID and the U.S. Forest Service.

For the 2024-2025 season, Chile has 311 firefighting brigades, 144 of which are already active, successfully containing 92% of fires before they exceed 5 hectares. The country's aerial fleet includes 74 aircraft, both helicopters and planes, all deployed and ready for emergency response.

This new Air Tractor AT-802A aircraft symbolizes a step forward in Chile's fight against wildfires, offering a faster and more effective response to protect the country's natural heritage and communities.