2015/03 - Thailand Aerial Firefighting

On 18 March 2015, fierce forest fires broke out in various provinces in northern Thailand, adding to smoke haze over the region. Following a request from Thailand, the RSAF mobilised two CH-47 Chinook helicopters to help with aerial firefighting and ferry operations in Chiang Mai. A C-130 was also deployed to transport a 5,000-litre collapsible water bucket, which the two Chinooks used to douse the fires. Despite temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius and a visibility of no more than 3km, RSAF personnel worked closely with their Thai counterparts to complete several recce and aerial firefighting sorties during the two-week mission.

One of the RSAF’s two CH-47 Chinooks involved in the aerial firefighting operations in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

“After almost two weeks, the SAF and Singapore Civil Defence Force have concluded firefighting operations in northern Thailand. In all, our Chinooks flew 17 sorties over 35 hours and discharged over 200,000 litres of water."

Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence, 2015 on how Singapore worked with Thailand for the firefighting operations

“Our daily training had prepared us well and allowed us to approach the operation with confidence. Whenever our aircraft approached a water source to collect water, we could see the villagers waving at us. It was such a welcoming and heartwarming sight, which reminded us that our efforts were well received and appreciated."

ME2 Vince Lim Thiam Hock, Helicopter Flight Engineer, 127 Squadron, 2015 on the RSAF team's warm reception from the Thai villagers during the operation