AAF helicopters equipped to extinguish fires. Defence Minister Xhaçka: Capacities 12 times higher than last year

Published: Friday, 06 July 2018 16:43

Air Force Cougar helicopters have been equipped with new bambi buckets for extinguishing and localizing fires on difficult terrain. New bambi buckets with a capacity of 2500 liters each, increase the capacity of the AAF for extinguishing fire from the air by 12 times. This compared to the private service contracted to one year ago. The increased capacity is possible through new bambi buckets fitted on helicopters as well as to longer flight hours that a Cougar helicopter can undergo.

To introduce the new equipment, a demonstration was carried out at Farka’s Lake. It was closely attended by Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka. It was followed by a breakfast meeting on civil emergencies with District Prefects, AAF Structures engaged in these situations as well as members of the National Security Commission.

Minister Xhaçka talked about the advantages that the new equipment brings to the fire suppression, without forgetting to mention the men and women who are involved in during the emergencies.

"From today onwards, the AAF Infrastructure has been improved after the provision of the helicopters with special buckets, which have a capacity of 2500 liter. In addition, this capacity is 12 times bigger than the efforts in the past regarding the capacities which were subcontracted to address the problem of suppressing fires. Except for the military infrastructure and capabilities, unquestionably our true strength and power are our men and women in uniform who are being involved at the very first moment when it comes to helping for the safety of citizens life and property", - the Minister stated.

Furthermore, Minister Xhaçka demanded greater engagement from the Local Government, starting with the municipal budget, which should provide funds regarding civil emergencies.

"As provided by the laws, out of 61 Municipalities in the whole territory, have made available 3% of their annual budget for emergencies. Dealing with past situations it turns out also that, it was not assigned a head officer of the operation in the local structures, as the current law provides."

The Prefects appreciated the transfer of Civil Emergencies Department under the MoD, because of the specifics of our country, as well as due to the capacities offered by the AAF. Minister Xhaçka defined the new Civil Emergency Law as a genuine legal, administrative, operational and structural reform.

"First of all, we deemed it necessary to reconfigure the Civil Emergencies System, by adapting their management to the new structure and role within the Ministry of Defense. We have been working continuously on the draft law, which is expected to be completed this summer, and after that it will be consulted with you, Local Government, groups of interest, and local and foreign experts definitely", - the Defence Minister stated.



The Deputies of the Security Commission evaluated the new bambi buckets with which the helicopters were equipped, but also the new approach of the Ministry of Defense in terms of emergencies.