Guatemala To Help Battle Costa Rica’s Chirripó Forest Fire
Guatemala To Help Battle Costa Rica’s Chirripó Forest Fire
04 March 2012
published by www.insidecostarica.com
Costa Rica/Guatemala —Helicopter sent by Guatemala will be able to withstand high winds
The forest fire in the Chirripó national park continues as more than 250 firefighters continue to battle the blaze, or at least working to control its spread.
The fire, which authorities believe was set intentionally, has been burning for almost a week.
On Saturday, by way of a Twitter post, the president of Guatemala, Otto Pérez Molina confirmed that his country will be sending our way a helicopter.
Costa Rica’s presidenta, Laura Chinchilla, confirmed the commitment by her Guatemalan counterpart.
Molina said the aircraft they are sending to Costa Rica is capable of withstanding the winds that have impeded the prolonged use of the helicopter available to the Bomberos de Costa Rica and fueling the flames.
The fire has consumer so far more than 150 hectares and although firefighters have been able to contain the spread, the winds have made it difficult to put it out.
The assistance by the Guatemaltecos will bring the badly needed water to the west face of the “cerro”, which up to now has been difficult to access by air.
