Russian firefighters on Olympic guard

In Greece, Russian firefighting teams are continuing to help put out wildfires. They arrived in the country to help local emergency services after flames destroyed more than 40 thousand hectares of land.

The Russian-made Be-200 jet is on a fire reconnaissance mission near Mount Olympus. However the aircraft has yet to prove its worth as a water-bomber.

“It seems to me that the Greeks are trying to test us, to see in which conditions we can extinguish fires. They see this aircraft in action for the first time, and they  give us a new target area every time,” said Evgeny Sedykh, Russian Flight Commander.

So, are the plane and its crew up to the job? The Greeks seem to believe they are.

“It’s the second flight I have had with this plane. It seems to be very good and solid. I'm trying to understand all the parameters – how it turns, how it goes for the water – all this stuff, technical things. My first impression is very, very good,” said Themis Melisis, Greek Flight Commander.

The amphibious jet can easily take off and land on water, is able to scoop up 12 tonnes of water in just 14 seconds and drop its load from as close as 40 metres above the flames.

With the Greek Air Force suffering from fatigue after weeks of fighting infernos, the Russians are here to relieve the burden.

Meanwhile for the Mi-8 helicopter crews it’s still a waiting game. They’re on alert, waiting for an emergency call. Taking shelter from the scorching sun, the crew gets a lesson in geography. They’ve got to learn where the hot spots are in order to fly there quickly.

So, while they stand by for the alarm bell to sound, the Russians are settling in to what will be their home for the next month.