MNA – An Iranian airline provided two MI-171 helicopters, each with a maximum capacity of 4,000 liters of water, to play a role in bring forest fires under control in Georgia.


Reza Jafarzadeh, Head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization Public Relations Office, made the announcement explaining that the Iranian airline helped contain a major forest fire in the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region of Georgia.

“The two helicopters carried their mission over nine days and flew for 103 hours in 349 sorties,” highlighted the official adding that the Iranian choppers managed to carry 103 passengers as well as 562 tons of water to play an influential role in fighting the fire in Georgian forests.

Jafarzadeh went on to note that Iran’s ambassador to Tbilisi had been present in one of the operational sorties and had later conveyed appreciation of Georgian authorities to the Iranian crew for their efforts and bravery.

It is worthwhile to note that presence of two Iranian helicopters in fighting forest fires at several locations across Georgia received an unprecedented acknowledgement among people, social networks and media of Georgia who called for further cooperation and transfer of knowhow on crisis management.