Singapore team to return from firefighting efforts in Chiang Mai: Ng Eng Hen

Channel NewsAsia 31 Mar 15;

SINGAPORE: After almost two weeks, 50 men from the Singapore Armed Forces and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) have concluded firefighting operations in northern Thailand, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday evening (Mar 31).

"With fewer hotspots, the haze in Chiang Mai has lifted," Dr Ng wrote. He added that Singapore's Chinook two helicopters flew 17 sorties over 35 hours and dropped over 200,000 litres of water to assist with firefighting efforts.

"LTC Marcel Xu, the mission commander, told me that they were operating at high terrain of up to 7,000ft. At times, the haze affected visibility. My thanks to all SAF and SCDF personnel for enduring the high temperatures and thick haze when carrying out these operations," Dr Ng said.

Dr Ng added that he was glad Singapore could help the people of Thailand, and wished those from SAF and SCDF a safe journey home.

- CNA/dl