The recurring fires at the Ornamibo landfill site and the increasing nuisance caused by grass fires require new solutions, according to a concerned resident. In a submitted contribution, the writer advocates research into helicopters with Bambi Buckets as an additional firefighting resource.
The fires at the Ornamibo landfill site have once again made clear how difficult it can be to bring long-lasting fires under control. Local residents are confronted with smoke and odour, while firefighters have to carry out their work under difficult conditions. According to a concerned resident, an additional form of firefighting therefore deserves attention: deploying helicopters with so-called Bambi Buckets.
The writer stresses that he is not an expert in firefighting, aviation or public health. His proposal should therefore not be seen as a fully developed operational plan, but as a call to examine existing options. In particular, the presence of helicopters within the private aviation sector and the Nationaal Leger (National Army) provides, in his view, reason to consider whether aerial firefighting is also possible in Suriname.
The call comes at a time when the Korps Brandweer Suriname (Suriname Fire Service) is under great pressure. Minister Harish Monorath of Justice and Security previously stated that the service is struggling with a shortage of deployable fire engines, personnel and equipment. A Key News report of October 28 stated that the minister wants to discuss these problems at the presidential level.
Bambi Buckets: research into aerial firefighting
A Bambi Bucket is a collapsible water bag attached beneath a suitable helicopter by cables. The pilot can fill the bag from a river, lake or other suitable water source. The water is then released over the fire. The system is used internationally in fighting wildfires, especially in locations that are difficult for fire engines to reach.
According to manufacturer SEI Industries, various models are available. The amount of water a helicopter can safely carry depends, among other things, on the type of aircraft, the permitted load and conditions during the flight. A water bag with a capacity of one thousand litres alone contains approximately one thousand kilograms of water. The weight of the equipment must also be taken into account.
Health risks from persistent smoke
The contributor points out that the effects of smoke nuisance extend beyond an unpleasant smell. Grass fires and forest fires release small particulate matter and various gases. These can irritate the airways and worsen existing health problems. Children, elderly people, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions may be particularly vulnerable.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that exposure to wildfire smoke can lead, among other things, to coughing, headaches, shortness of breath and worsening asthma. Heart and vascular problems may also occur. The severity of the effects depends, among other things, on the concentration of harmful substances and the duration of exposure.
According to the contributor, every technically feasible improvement to firefighting deserves serious consideration.
Fire at Ornamibo requires a different approach
At the Ornamibo landfill site, conditions are more complicated than in an ordinary grass fire. Waste can burn not only on the surface, but can also continue smouldering deep underground. As a result, smoke emissions can persist for a long time, even when the visible flames have largely disappeared.
This was also evident during the fire in August 2026. Fire service spokesperson Olton Pinas told Key News at the time that the waste smouldering underground could continue causing smoke for days. During the most recent fire, reported on October 26, the fire service’s limited capacity was again raised. Firefighters were later deployed, along with staff from Openbaar Groen en Afvalbeheer.
Not every fire can be extinguished from the air
According to the contributor, it should be avoided that a Bambi Bucket is presented as a miracle solution. Water released from a helicopter can help fight fire hotspots that are difficult to reach, but may not sufficiently reach the deeper layers of a burning landfill site.
Experts will therefore have to determine where aerial support is actually useful. At Ornamibo, ground measures remain necessary, including isolating and treating burning waste. Better supervision, prevention and responsible waste management are also indispensable, according to the writer.
What does a Bambi Bucket cost?
An important question is how much Suriname would have to invest. The contributor refers to the procurement plan for the 2026 fiscal year of the US city of San Antonio. It includes an amount of US$ 55,000 for the purchase of a Bambi Bucket.
According to the writer, this amount is solely a reference and not a quotation for Suriname. The final costs depend on the model selected and the technical requirements. Transport, possible import costs, training, maintenance, spare parts and the operational costs of helicopter flights must also be taken into account.
Cooperation between the fire service, Defence and companies
The contributor proposes that the Korps Brandweer Suriname, the Nationaal Leger and private helicopter companies jointly investigate what options are available. This should establish which helicopters are suitable, what additional equipment is needed and whether sufficiently trained crew members are available.
Suitable water collection points, agreements on the availability of aircraft and command during firefighting operations must also be considered. According to the writer, the research should also clarify whether such water bags may already be available in Suriname.
Prevention and protection remain necessary
The call is in line with growing concern about the fires at Ornamibo. During a meeting of De Nationale Assemblée (Suriname’s parliament), parliamentarian Mahinder Jogi called attention to the consequences of the smoke nuisance. He stated that the living conditions of local residents are being seriously affected.
The contributor stresses that aerial support can be only one part of a broader approach. In addition to adequate firefighting, preventing arson, improving waste management, protecting emergency workers and measuring air quality remain necessary.
His call is therefore not to dismiss existing aviation capacity in advance. According to him, a joint technical and financial assessment could clarify whether Bambi Buckets can be a useful addition to current firefighting efforts in Suriname.
Editorial note: This article is based on a submitted contribution. The proposed deployment of Bambi Buckets is an idea of the contributor and not announced government policy. The image is for illustrative purposes.
