Fires are burning across Colombia as the country’s Air Force fights toward containment with its Black Hawks fitted with Bambi buckets; the fires have recently burned over 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres).
Colombia’s fleet includes at least 10 UH-60A ex-US Army and 9 UH-60L helicopters (police) and 47 UH-60L and 7 S-70i Army ships.
Aerial Fire Magazine reported that much of the country is still on alert, and the director of the National Meteorological Institute (IDEAM), Ghisliane Echeverry Prieto said, “We have more than 900 municipalities threatened by forest fires, almost the entire country.”
Temperatures reached record highs at the end of 2023.
Colombian president Gustavo Petro declared a state of emergency to secure additional funding for international assistance as the country’s firefighting assets reach their limits. Infoebae reported that during Prieto’s inauguration, Minister Francisco Canal highlighted her professional qualities.
NBCrightnow reported that more than 20 fires are burning in Colombia with record temperatures, even driving wildlife into urban areas. El Niño’s blamed for the high temperatures, drought, and other conditions exacerbating the fire danger. For months now Colombia has endured record high temperatures and drought, both expected to last into June. Many locations are suffering record highs of 40°C (about 105°F).
