Andong City Rents State-of-the-Art 'Sanbuljinhwa Helicopter' from the U.S. ... Annual Lease Fee 800 Million Won

Andong City has independently leased a wildfire suppression helicopter with a budget of over 800 million won since the 20th and has started its operation. / Andong City

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Jae-ho] Andong City announced on the 22nd that it has started operating a wildfire suppression helicopter independently leased with a budget of over 800 million won since the 20th.

The wildfire suppression helicopter leased and deployed this time is the latest S-76C+ medium model manufactured in the United States, equipped with a 1200ℓ (6 drums) Bambi bucket capacity. The maximum takeoff weight is approximately 5300 kg.

The city has prepared a helicopter parking area within the Seonggok-dong Cultural Tourism Complex and keeps it on standby at all times.

During the spring and autumn wildfire caution periods, aerial wildfire prevention patrols will be conducted, and in case of wildfire occurrence, the helicopter will take off immediately to extinguish the fire. In addition to wildfires, it will also be used for rescue operations and cargo transport.

Although 233 wildfire prevention and suppression specialists and wildfire area monitors have been hired for prevention and surveillance activities, and 22 unmanned wildfire surveillance cameras are operated at 14 locations, the city explained that considering the many wildfires that occurred last year, they decided to lease the wildfire suppression helicopter.

An Andong City official stated, "No matter how well the wildfire prevention and suppression system is equipped and how much budget is invested, the citizens' awareness and cooperation regarding wildfires are more important," urging active participation in achieving zero wildfires.