Russian rescuers have been involved in extinguishing forest fires in Chile, reports RIA Novosti. The authorities of Latin American countries have appealed to the Russian authorities, and an IL-76 was sent as aid. It is capable of releasing 40 tons of water during the course of one flight. The crew of the Il-76 very extensive experience operating in conditions of poor visibility and heavy smoke.
It landed after a transcontinental flight two days ago, and on the same day, flew four times dumping water. Almost one hundred and seventy tons of water have been dumped on the burning forest. They were able to prevent the spread of fire in the direction of the two cities: Concepcion and Navidad.
Concepcion is one of the oldest cities in Chile, it’s history goes back over five hundred years. About two hundred thousand people live in the city. It also has the largest number of universities of any city in the country.
Chilean authorities have declared a state of emergency due to wildfires in seven regions of the country. Fire has already destroyed one city. More than six thousand people have had to be evacuated.
Russkiy Mir
