Norway sends more fire helicopters to Sweden

Forest fires in Enskogen, Sweden.Photo: Maja Suslin / TT / NTB Scanpix

Four new forest fire helicopters have been sent to Sweden,who have thus borrowed ten Norwegian helicopters in total.In addition, volunteers assist Trønden firefighters.

 

In Sweden,there are now approximately 60 fires which are more or less out of control, and the forest areas in Jämtland are among the hardest hit,according to the Directorate for Civil Protection and Preparedness.

In addition to the resources from Norway, Sweden has received assistance from two Bombardier 415 forestry aircraft from Italy.

“Norway now has no more helicopters to ship to Sweden when our remaining 12 helicopters are either in use or on high standby alert. If the situation worsens in Norway, the leased helicopters in Sweden can be recalled,’’ DSB stated.

“I want to take this opportunity to commend the formidable strike effort made by the Fire Department, Civil Defence and volunteers both on the ground and in the air,” said DSB’s director, Cecilie Daae.

The volunteer firefighters are from two fire departments in Trøndelag.The first crews from Stjørdal Fire and Rescue Service crossed the border on Monday. The four have a fire truck and an ATV with trailers, as well as pump and hose equipment. Since Monday, ten firefighters from Røros and Os and three cars have also assisted colleagues in Härjedalen.

 

© NTB scanpix / #Norway Today