Singapore sends helicopters to help fight forest fires in Thailand

Channel NewsAsia 18 mar 15;

SINGAPORE: Two Chinook helicopters have been deployed by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to help put out the forest fires in Chiang Mai, Thailand, according to Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Wednesday (Mar 18).

"Fierce forest fires are raging in Chiang Mai. To assist, the SAF has mobilised helicopters there to help put out these fires. It will be equipped with a 5,000-litre water bucket from the Singapore Civil Defence Force," Dr Ng said.

To transport the collapsible water bucket, a C-130 was deployed. It will be used by the two CH-47 Chinooks, currently in Thailand for Exercise Cope Tiger, to conduct aerial fire-fighting and ferry operations, he added.

Forest fires were reported to be burning in Chiang Mai districts Omkoi and Wiang Haeng, as well as in the Mae Hong Son province, the Bangkok Post reported on Wednesday. The RSAF Chinooks were mobilised following a request from Thailand's Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha, it added.

- CNA/eg