Bolivia deploys two helicopters to combat Tarija forest fires

The Bolivian government dispatched two water‑dropping helicopters to the city of Tarija to assist in fighting forest fires spreading in the Sama mountain range. Public Works Minister Mauricio Zamora confirmed the aircraft arrived at the IV Air Brigade runway on presidential orders and will conduct reconnaissance flights before coordinating with local firefighters to douse inaccessible fire hotspots.

The fires, which began in Erquiz Ceibal and Tucumillas, have expanded toward populated areas and a critical water supply zone, prompting involvement of volunteer fire brigades, the Bolivian police, and municipal risk‑management units. Military personnel have also been mobilized to support suppression efforts.