Head of the Emergency Response Division of BPBD South Sumatra Sudirman stated here on Tuesday that the helicopter operations would be stopped on November 20, given that the region has currently entered the rainy season.
He explained that three of the six helicopters in service in the past week had stopped operating due to reaching their maximum permitted flight hours.
The helicopter operational contract extension is carried out every 100 hours, with a maximum flight time of 300 hours.
"As of today, there are still three helicopters operating because forest and land fires are still occurring in several areas, although not as many as during the dry season," he remarked.
"There are currently a few hotspots, especially because it has rained, so the land is wet," he noted.
During firefighting on Saturday (Nov 16), two helicopters were deployed to extinguish forest and land fires in the Pangkalan Lampam area in Ogan Komering Ilir District and North Penukal in Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir District.
Water bombing operations were carried out 33 times in both areas. However, smoke still blanketed both areas when the extinguishing efforts ended.
"Yes, there are still forest and land fires. Two helicopters were deployed to extinguish them yesterday, while another helicopter is undergoing maintenance," he remarked.
Overall, 17 helicopters are assisting in handling forest and land fires this year. Four helicopters are used for air patrol and 13 helicopters for water bombing.
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Translator: Ahmad Rafli Baiduri, Katriana
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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