A Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Bell 412 helicopter was deployed yesterday (08 August) to assist in dousing a forest fire in the Raththanagolla–Imbulpe area of Balangoda.
The aerial firefighting operation, carried out using Bambi bucket water drops, was launched on a directive of the Ministry of Defence and in coordination with the Disaster Management Centre.
The helicopter, from No. 4 Squadron at the SLAF Base Ratmalana, sourced water from the Samanalawewa Reservoir to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further into forested areas.Operations were continuing as of last evening.
