Before 2018, there was no national ability from MSB to handle firefighting from the air. Instead, it was up to each rescue service to determine if it was possible to have.

- The problem was that it then became a matter of finances and personnel and the municipal rescue services have different conditions, says Anna Lindbäck.

Anna Lindbäck, Press Manager at MSB. Photo: MSB

Increased helicopter readiness

Last year, MSB increased its helicopter readiness. The idea is that ten helicopters will be able to cover the entire area of ​​Sweden within an hour. The helicopters are stationed where they are judged to be of greatest use at the moment.

The rescue service that needs help comes in with a request to MSB.

- After a dialogue, we usually meet it. The feeling is that the rescue services are satisfied, says Anna Lindbäck.

Used in 40 fires

Until June 30, 2020, the helicopters and the two scoping aircraft have so far assisted rescue services in 40 forest fires. Last year, helicopter support was used for a total of 49 forest fires between April and August.

- We have had a dry and hot summer so far and that is what determines, says Anna Lindbäck.

During a week at the end of June, helicopters participated in 21 operations from Mourievaara in Gällivare municipality in the north to Örebro in the south.

- We are much more proactive today because flying resources are deployed at an early stage before the fire has grown unmanageable, says Anna Lindbäck.

The ten helicopters have 90 minutes of readiness and are strategically located around the country. Photo: MSB

"Great support"

The two scooping planes have so far been used in a fire in Östhammar municipality in mid-June.

"They helped us to slow down the spread of fire so we had to pull hose around," says response manager Marcus Nordalen at Uppsala fire defense.

He feels that the plan was more efficient than helicopter support.

- It went faster. We had water nearby, so they could load quickly and then be back on the tape site again, says Marcus Nordalen.

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Here, one of MSB's bucket aircraft water bombs a forest fire in Östhammar municipality. Photo: Uppsala Fire Defense

More scooping aircraft

But the scooping aircraft is also an EU resource and should be used in forest fires throughout Northern Europe. In the longer term, it may also be the case with larger bucket aircraft - the type that Italy assisted with during the 2018 and 2014 forest fires.

The aircraft is of the Air Tractor AT-802 Fire boss type with a water capacity of 3000 liters per precipitate. Photo: MSB