BNPB reviews water-bombing SOP after 2 helicopters crash in Kalimantan

BNPB will review procedures and standard operating protocols for helicopter use in forest and land fire suppression after two helicopters crashed during water-bombing missions in Kalimantan. BNPB head Kristomei Sianturi said the review will examine technical aspects, from crew complement to firefighting methods. One point under review is the procedure for taking water from the sea or a river, including whether crews need to wear life jackets. BNPB said the findings will be studied and then applied to future operations so personnel are safer. The two crashes behind the review involved a Mi17v5 helicopter owned by Puspenerbad that went down in Kalimantan Tengah on 4 November, and a BNPB-chartered Super Puma helicopter that crashed in Barito Kuala, Kalimantan Selatan, on 8 November.