How were Bambi Bucket refueled using Pronal’s Opentank flexible tanks ?

A full-scale drill in Galdames for better preparedness

A wildfire response drill was recently conducted in Galdames, in the Peñas Negras area. The operation brought together more than 20 participants, including both aerial and ground teams, to simulate a realistic and coordinated intervention in the event of a forest fire.

This area had already experienced a wildfire in 2022, which destroyed 12 hectares of forest. Since then, local authorities have focused on prevention, team training, and cutting-edge equipment to better handle future incidents. One key focus is improving refueling capabilities for water-bombing helicopters (Bambi Buckets), a critical link in the firefighting chain.

The key role of Bambi Bucket in rapid fire suppression

The helicopters involved in this exercise were equipped with Bambi Bucket — flexible buckets suspended beneath the aircraft, capable of accurately dropping large volumes of water onto fire hotspots. These tools enable fast, targeted aerial attacks, helping to reduce the intensity of the flames and support the efforts of ground crews.

However, their effectiveness depends directly on how quickly they can be refilled. While Bambi Bucket are typically filled from natural water sources, in this case, they were supplied using flexible tanks that had been specially installed for the operation.

Pronal’s open-top Opentank : A mobile and efficient solution

To ensure a constant, fast, and secure refueling process, Pronal provided its open-top flexible tanks, the Opentank. Self-supporting, foldable, and resistant to extreme conditions, these tanks are used by firefighters to combat forest fires.

Deployed in the highlands of Peñas Negras, the Opentanks enabled helicopters to refill in close proximity to the drop zones, significantly reducing turnaround times and improving the overall efficiency of the operation.

Technical specifications of the Opentank :

• Capacity : From 1 m³ to 20 m³

• Material : 1300 g/m² PVC, resistant from -30°C to +70°C

• Format : Custom sizes available

• Advantages : Quick setup, wide opening, high durability, easy mobility

A successful field test

This exercise validated the usefulness of the Opentank flexible tanks in real emergency scenarios. Their quick deployment and perfect compatibility with Bambi Bucket were praised by local authorities. This logistical solution proved to be crucial in ensuring the safety of crews and speeding up firefighting operations.

Conclusion :

Opentank flexible tanks are perfectly suited for wildfire suppression operations. Their role as auxiliary reservoirs for aerial refueling makes them a flexible, reliable, and essential solution in challenging terrain.

See how the Bambi Bucket is refueled directly from the Opentank during an actual operation.

A real-life demonstration filmed in the Galdames area.

Watch the video on our YouTube channel to witness the speed, simplicity, and efficiency of the system in the field.