“JOINT EFFORT BY ARMY AND AIR FORCE FOR CONTAINING BUSH FIRE IN HALPE, IMBULPE, BALANGODA”

Under the directives of the General Officer Commanding 61 Infantry Division and the close supervision of the Commander 572 Infantry Brigade, 2 x 20 troops from the 18 Battalion Sri Lanka National Guard swiftly responding to a on going bush fire that erupted in the Halpe, Imbulpe, Balangoda area at around from 0900 hrs to 1845 hrs on 08 August 2025. Demonstrating exceptional coordination and commitment, the troops engaged in firefighting operations to contain the spread and mitigate potential risks to the surrounding environment and communities. Complementing the ground operation, 01 x 08 Sri Lanka Air Force personnel are also taking part in the mission, deploying aerial support with a helicopter to douse the affected area from the air. The joint efforts of the Army and Air Force played a pivotal role in successfully bringing the situation under control, demonstrating the military assistance for the civil authorities in a disaster situation.