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Columbia Helicopters renews Turkey firefighting contract for fifth consecutive season

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Columbia Helicopters renews Turkey firefighting contract for fifth consecutive season
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Joe Petrie Editor & Chief | AviationPros

Columbia Helicopters has announced the renewal of its aerial firefighting contract with CMC Savunma Sanayi A.S. in Turkey. This marks the fifth fire season in which Columbia has supported Turkey's national wildfire response, continuing its partnership with both CMC and the Turkish General Directorate of Forestry.

Under the terms of the agreement, Columbia will deploy four Columbia 234 Multi-Mission Chinook helicopters. Each helicopter will be equipped with a 2,600-gallon Bambi Bucket to facilitate the delivery of water and flame retardant. The helicopters will be operated by flight crews and maintenance personnel provided by Columbia for Turkey's 2025 fire season.

Columbia Helicopters President and CEO David Balevic stated, "We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with CMC. This multi-year collaboration reflects the trust we’ve built together and the consistent performance and reliability our teams deliver. As Turkey prepares for the upcoming fire season, we are honored to support national efforts to protect lives, forests and critical infrastructure."

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Echoing this sentiment, CMC's President and CEO Cem Çolak commented, "We are pleased to continue our partnership with Columbia Helicopters. After four years of successful firefighting operations, their 234 Multi-Mission Chinook helicopters have become a key asset in our support to the Turkish General Directorate of Forestry."

In recent years, Turkey has experienced an increase in wildfire activity. The country's General Directorate of Forestry has reported a rise in annual wildfire incidents from approximately 2,950 in 2020 to an estimated 3,800 in 2024.

Scott Rumsby, crew chief for Aircraft 37 and Turkey operations lead, remarked, "Our team has witnessed firsthand the growing scale and intensity of these fires. The 2024 season was especially challenging, with record-breaking temperatures driving conditions that required rapid and sustained response. We are proud to work alongside Turkish crews once again to help contain and suppress these destructive fires."

The fire season in Turkey typically spans from May through October, with peak activity usually occurring in July and August.

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