For the first time in Europe, a heavy-lift helicopter CH-47D Chinook A team from the Australian Rural Fire Service (RFS) was deployed on Friday 14 August to one of the Landes. Having arrived in France with the support of the Australian Defence Force, this aircraft carried out its very first operational mission on the continent – a first in international cooperation in the fight against bushfires.
A historic first in Europe
The Chinook, accompanied by a Bell 412 support helicopter, was deployed immediately upon arrival to the Luglon fire, which broke out on Thursday 13 August. This exceptional deployment comprises 24 specialist crew members, including flight crew and ground teams. The RFS, which is accustomed to large-scale fires in Australia, is thus providing additional expertise and resources to support the ongoing operations.
Air assets never before seen in France
Fitted with an 11,300-litre underbelly tank, the CH-47D Chinook has a water-drop capacity far greater than that of the aircraft traditionally used in France. By way of comparison, a Dash-8 can discharge up to 10,000 litres, whilst a Canadair can carry 6,000 litres. Combined with the Bell 412, which is fitted with an infrared camera for night-time missions, this system significantly enhances fire-fighting capabilities.
The Bell 412, in particular, enables real-time surveillance thanks to its camera, which transmits images directly from the cockpit. Its crew consists of a pilot, a flight crew officer and a camera operator, thereby optimising the coordination of operations.
The fire brigade, which has been on the scene since the fire broke out, is being supported by this aerial reinforcement to contain the spread of the flames.
This international commitment comes at a time of increased mobilisation in response to the forest fires in France. To follow the progress of the fires in real time, visit the map of current fires.