Indonesian fires: twin helicopter crashes expose fragile safety margins
Four deaths in two helicopter crashes within five days have raised questions about the dangers facing those fighting Indonesia’s massive forest fires, prompting a government review on aerial firefighting efforts. But those dangers extend beyond the skies, with volunteer firefighters on the ground describing inadequate protective equipment, scarce water supplies and peatland fires that can…
Two helicopter crashes within five days in Indonesia have raised concerns about the safety of aerial firefighting operations, especially as the country battles massive forest fires. The first crash occurred on November 4, when an Indonesian army Mi-17V5 transport helicopter crashed during a water-bombing mission in Central Kalimantan, killing three soldiers.
Just four days later, a Super Puma helicopter crashed while collecting water from the Barito River in South Kalimantan, killing one landing officer and injuring two others. These incidents have prompted a government review of aerial firefighting efforts, with lawmakers calling for a thorough evaluation of procedures, including the use of life jackets during water collection.
On the ground, volunteer firefighters face their own challenges, with inadequate protective equipment, scarce water supplies, and the unpredictable nature of peatland fires that can erupt suddenly beneath their feet. Muhammad Ihsan, a volunteer firefighter, emphasized the risks his team faces, noting that they have been battling fires for five months and still lack sufficient protective gear.
Brief written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
