The Swedish operation is taking place under French leadership, where they carry out the missions they are assigned and have been well received, says Anders Edstam.
We had the opportunity to service the plane, they had arranged cars for us from the airport and we have been given good conditions to prepare.
The plan is for the Swedes to work together with the French and Portuguese, who have similar aircraft to the Swedes', in Bordeaux during the day.
The work will likely involve putting out so-called crown fires, where the flames are reaching the treetops. It may also involve applying water in advance to slow the spread.
Holds 3,000 litres of water
Sweden has sent two water-bombing planes and will send two more next week. The plane holds about 3,000 litres of water, about the size of a fire engine, says Anders Edstam.
The challenge for the pilots is all the smoke, very poor visibility and many flying resources in the same place.
International regulations exist for how to fly, where the same terminology is used even though several countries are involved.
“Challenging also for France”
In addition to the smaller Swedish planes, large planes and helicopters are also being used to extinguish the fires from the air. There are also extensive forces on the ground. It is an important mission that France has to handle the air coordination, says Anders Edstam.
But I have high confidence in the French ability to deal with forest fires, they have more experience than we in Sweden. But these fires are challenging even for France.
