Ecocopter by Helisul deploys helicopters in Chile to fight wildfires The company has strategically deployed two Aircrane helicopters, three Superpuma helicopters, and two B3 helicopters as a minimum resource in the Valparaíso, Ñuble, and Biobío regions to provide a rapid and effective response to any emergency in historically critical and high-risk areas. Santiago, Chile. Faced with the growing threat of wildfires, Ecocopter by Helisul has a robust preparedness plan for the 2025-2026 season, which includes the strategic deployment of a fleet of seven high-performance helicopters. With the goal of protecting communities, critical infrastructure, and the country’s natural heritage, the company will position its aircraft at key locations across the country to ensure coverage and response capabilities in the event of any emergency. The fleet consists of aircraft specialized for different phases of firefighting. Two Airbus H125 (B3) helicopters, renowned for their agility and versatility, will be permanently based in the Valparaíso Region, one of the areas with the highest risk and most complex topography in the country. These units are ideal for rapid initial attacks and for operating in difficult-to-access terrain, allowing for early containment of fires. For fighting large-scale fires, the company will have two Aircrane helicopters at its disposal, considered the giants of aerial firefighting. With a capacity to drop 10,000 liters of water per discharge, these aircraft are already operational in the Ñuble and Biobío regions. Their role is fundamental in controlling and extinguishing high-intensity fire fronts, offering massive and decisive suppression power. Francisco Arriagada, commercial manager of Ecocopter by Helisul, emphasized that; “the climate crisis and drought conditions compel us to stay one step ahead in supporting our partners. Our strategy for this season is based on deploying specialized aircraft in the most critical areas. We are establishing a proactive air defense to protect Chile with the best technology and highly skilled crews.” Complementing this capability, the fleet will include three Super Puma helicopters, which will remain on alert and available for deployment to any point in the country where an emergency arises. These helicopters will be positioned at strategic locations. The versatility of the Super Pumas allows them not only to perform large-volume water drops, but also to transport firefighters and equipment to remote areas, making them an invaluable tactical resource for comprehensive emergency management. “Each helicopter fulfills a specific and vital function. The agility of the B3s for initial attack, the unmatched power of the Aircranes for large-scale firefighting, and the tactical flexibility of the Super Pumas give us a comprehensive response capability. This combination of advanced technology, along with the expertise of our crews, is our main strength for facing this season,” Arriagada emphasized. It is worth noting that the Chilean government has allocated over US$167 million to address this season, representing a 113% increase compared to 2021. A total of 77 aircraft will be available, including helicopters from Ecocopter by Helisul. Given the current situation, prevention and a rapid response are crucial. Therefore, “the company reaffirms its role as a strategic partner, actively contributing to the resilience of the regions, the well-being of people, and the preservation of Chile’s natural heritage,” concludes Arriagada.
