The Luxembourg Air Rescue acquired a specialised firefighting container two decades ago, but it has never been deployed. Over time, pilot training for this equipment lapsed, but Air Rescue remains hopeful for a change.
Luxembourg has areas that are difficult to reach with conventional firefighting vehicles, making aerial firefighting an appealing option. However, the Air Rescue recently expressed frustration on Facebook about the lack of interest from the Grand Duchy's Rescue Services Agency (CGDIS) in keeping a helicopter on standby during the fire season. Interior Minister Léon Gloden expressed his dissatisfaction with Air Rescue's approach during an interview with RTL on Wednesday, preferring direct dialogue over social media posts.
Minister Gloden has contacted Air Rescue's director, indicating a meeting with CGDIS and Air Rescue in September to discuss effective collaboration. Informal talks on this topic have stalled, according to Jan Saubain, Air Rescue's deputy medical director. Despite the Ministry of the Interior funding the container 20 years ago, it remains unused, and the organisation is currently unprepared to operate it.
To deploy the Bambi Bucket, two helicopters need provisioning, and crew training is essential. Training is planned for late winter to prepare for operations by spring 2027.
Alain Di Genova, director of logistics at the Emergency and Rescue Services, stresses the importance of never saying no to potential capabilities. Nevertheless, Luxembourg's vegetation differs from that of countries like France.
In Luxembourg, fires typically spread at ground level, requiring intensive ground-based firefighting tactics. The situation is unlike France, where fires in pine forests with high crowns necessitate aerial firefighting due to rapid propagation by wind.
Jan Saubain acknowledges a lack of expertise in forestry but supports developing aerial firefighting capabilities. There is also interest from other parties.
Saubain stated that they are in close contact with the Province of Luxembourg in Belgium, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland to offer this project as a civil protection initiative.
Air Rescue is eager to engage in aerial firefighting, but funding remains a critical issue.
In September, Air Rescue, CGDIS, and the Interior Minister will convene to discuss the conditions under which, and potential for, Air Rescue could be involved in future firefighting efforts.
