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Air Force choppers fighting to control Knuckles fire
View(s):The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) was last evening fighting to control a fire fast spreading in the Knuckles range with much destruction already caused to the forest. SLAF Spokesman, Group Captain Chandima Alwis said the fire had broken out on Friday evening and was spreading across the mountain due to strong winds.
“The situation has become a challenge for the SLAF helicopter pilots to spray water over the fire, due to heavy winds,” he said.
He said they deployed their Bell 212 helicopter responding to the Disaster Management Centre and were successful in saving some houses downhill by controlling the fire in that particular area.
“Our Pilots said they flew 12 sorties spraying water, yet the fire is spreading uphill,” he said.
The public in the area, assisted by the police, are also helping to fight the fire.