NATO HQ Sarajevo  /  News  /  2021  /  NHQSa Commander General Eric Folkestad statement on BIH wildfires

While wildfires are still raging, Commander NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, Brigadier General Eric Folkestad visited the 2nd Helicopter Squadron AFBiH based at Rajlovac. And as you can see the aircraft and the crews are capable and ready to fly and they are here for the citizens of BiH.

The Commander also visited the Operational Communication (OC) Center, at the Ministry of Security BIH where he met committed staff working hard in coordinating firefighting efforts. They are using NICS, a NATO funded system, built by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

NHQSa Commander General Eric Folkestad at the Operational Communication (OC) Center, at the Ministry of Security BIH.  
Photo: NATO Headquarters Sarajevo

From my visit to the OC center, I could see how effectively the assets are used and how closely the situation is being monitored. I want to thank everyone who has been involved in firefighting efforts. The weather has brought some temporary relief but we are not out of wildfire season yet. It's good to know that this experienced, equipped and highly trained capability exists within BiH , should the situation worsen.

Support for the civil authorities in times of crisis is vital part of the mission of every unit of the armed forces BiH. And the armed forces are there- ready and waiting to help, if and when they are called on. As a military helicopter pilot myself- with 25 years of aviation experience, including on the UK-1H "Huey" flown by the BIH armed forces, I can tell you these guys are ready, trained and equipped to fly. They have just been waiting for the order to join the firefighting operation."