Caracal Helicopter Detects Hotspots in Gironde Forest Fire

Saumos - 29 July 2026: In the Gironde forest fires, incident command is relying on a Caracal helicopter from the French armed forces at night. While firefighting aircraft such as Canadairs and Dash planes cannot operate after dark, the airborne thermal imaging camera is intended to make remaining hot spots and newly developing fire sources visible. The information is passed on to firefighters on the ground.A team from France Televisions accompanied the overnight operation from Tuesday, 28 July, to Wednesday, 29 July. According to the broadcaster, wind and high temperatures ...