SAF deploys helicopters to fight fires in Chiang Mai

SINGAPORE - The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has mobilised two CH-47 Chinook helicopters to assist Thailand authorities to put out fires in Chiang Mai.

Describing the forest fires in the Northern part of Thailand as "fierce", Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen said on his Facebook that the helicopters will be equipped with a collapsible 5000L water bucket from the Singapore Civil Defence Force in their task.

The water bucket was loaded onto an RSAF C-130 aircraft this morning.

The two Chinooks are currently in Thailand for a trilateral air exercise called Exercise Cope Tiger which involves Thailand, USA, and Singapore. The Chinooks will be deployed to conduct aerial fire-fighting and ferry operations, Dr Ng added.

grongloh@sph.com.sg