JTF-Bravo provides support to Honduran forces fighting wildfire

Photo By Martin Chahin | Two U.S. Army CH-47 Chinooks depart Soto Cano Air Base in support of firefighting efforts on the North coast of Honduras, Mar. 31, 2016, after Juan Orlando Hernandez, President of Honduras, sent a request for support to the U.S. Ambassador in Honduras. The helicopters provided assistance to the Honduran Air Force, Army and Fire Department, with a refillable, water carrying Bambi Bucket system and hoist capability to help retrieve people who may come under harm’s way on the ground. (U.S. Army photo by Martin Chahin/Released)  

HONDURAS

03.31.2016

Story by Maria Pinel 

Joint Task Force Bravo

Servicemembers from Joint Task Force-Bravo began providing support to the Honduran Fire Department, Air Force and Army, at the request of President Juan Orlando Hernandez, in an effort to control a fire in Jeanette Kawas National Park, Tela, Atlántida department, Honduras, March 31, 2016.

The fire began on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 and continued to spread in the area, consuming a large portion of the park’s core.

Response forces have not yet ascertained the total area damaged by the fire.

Jeanette Kawas National Park belongs to the Subsystem of Protected Areas of the Tela Bay and is one of 10 protected areas for the conservation of biodiversity in Honduras.

Given the difficult terrain and access to the area, Joint Task Force-Bravo will support with UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopter capabilities, supplementing the efforts of the host nation to stop the fire from spreading and endangering any people in the area or further destroying the protected Honduran park.

The Helicopters have Bambi Buckets and hoist capabilities to bring in water from local reservoirs or potentially hoist out anyone in danger.

• Date Taken: 03.31.2016
• Date Posted: 03.31.2016 19:39
• Story ID: 194066
• Location: HN