Bolivia holds first heliborne training for forest firefighters

Bolivia has successfully conducted its first-ever heliborne training course for forest firefighters, marking a significant step in enhancing the country's capacity to combat wildfires. The course transitioned from theoretical exercises to practical operations involving a live helicopter, a BK-117 C-1.

Organized by Bomberos Forestales Quebracho with support from several organizations including SOS Wildfire and Hi-Jet Helicopters, the training took place on a property owned by Pedro Lorenzo. Participants, including forest firefighters, park rangers, and personnel from various institutions, were organized into teams. They practiced crucial procedures such as approaching the helicopter, boarding, in-flight transport, and disembarking, simulating real-world scenarios.

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Before, we used to do this exercise with chairs; now we have a real helicopter.

This initiative represents years of effort for organizations like Quebracho to gain access to specialized training and equipment. Previously, such exercises were conducted using chairs to simulate the aircraft interior. The shift to using an actual helicopter signifies a major advancement in preparing firefighters for rapid deployment.

Officials emphasized the critical role of aerial support in firefighting. Ana Marieta Colanzi, director of Fonabosque, noted that helicopters can create better conditions for trained crews to intervene promptly and effectively. Nacho Martín of SOS Wildfire provided a stark example: reaching certain fires near Roboré by land can take up to six hours, whereas a helicopter could cover the same distance in 30 minutes to an hour. This dramatic reduction in travel time is vital for early attack strategies, significantly increasing the chances of containing fires before they escalate.

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Imagine being able to arrive in 30 minutes or an hour. Almost no fire would get large.