20 Minutes.
Only one army helicopter is now covering Val Mesolcina in the canton of Graubunden, now that forest fires there have been brought under control, according to 20 Minutes. A no fly zone imposed on the region has also been lifted. At the same time the Swiss air force says it is ready to spring into action if required.
© Aleksandr Klimashin | Dreamstime.com
For a number of days, the Swiss military has been helping civilian authorities put out fires in the region. Along with military helicopters with fire fighting equipment, the military has supplied equipment and personnel specialised in detecting fires. Three vehicles with thermal cameras have been made available.
Forest fires started nine days ago in the Mesolcina and Leventina valleys. The fires, which destroyed around 130 hectares of forest, came during Switzerland’s driest December since 1864. 36 pilots were involved in the fire fighting.
Nature finally lent a helping hand by bringing snow to the region on Thursday.
More on this:
20 Minutes article  (in French)  - Take a 5 minute French test now
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