KFOR HELICOPTER CREW ASSISTS LOCAL AUTHORITY TO FIGHT FIRE

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo. Multinational Battle Group-East assisted local fire fighters near Vidomiric, Mitrovica municipality.

Local authorities contacted KFOR, through EULEX, to request assistance in fighting a wildfire, which threatened to cause loss of life and property. Reports from the ground fire crew indicated that the wildfire flames were as high as 10 meters with heavy smoke obscuring visibility and that the citizens of Vidomiric were asked to evacuate, as a precautionary measure.

MNBG-E utilized an UH60L Blackhawk helicopter with a water bucket to assist getting the fire under control by dropping 2,400 gallons of water at a designated location.

After MNBG-E completed the water drops, ground fire crews confirmed effectiveness of reducing the flames and smoke resulting in increased visibility. The MNBG-E aviation crew then returned to Camp Bondsteel and the citizens of Vidomiric were permitted to return to their homes.

Through these activities such as extinguishing fire, KFOR continues to preserve a safe and secure environment and ensure freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo.