Colombia turns drug-fumigation planes into fire fighters

An AT-802 Air Tractor aircraft donated by the United States to the Colombian Police drops water during a press demonstration at the Police Aviation School in Mariquita, Colombia February 14, 2024. REUTERS

BOGOTA — Colombia on Wednesday added eight aircraft, some previously used to fumigate drug crops, to its fire-fighting fleet as it braces for more dry El Nino weather that has stoked significant wildfires.

President Gustavo Petro declared a natural disaster in January as fires ravaged areas of the world’s second-most bio-diverse country.

READ: Colombia declares emergency over raging forest fires

Petro attended an event in Tolima province displaying the four AT-802 Air Tractor planes and four Black Hawk UH-60 helicopters, originally donated by top ally the United States, that were refitted to drop water and chemicals to quell flames.

The planes were used to spray the herbicide glyphosate on illegal plantations of coca, the chief ingredient in cocaine, until 2015, when the flights were stopped due to health concerns related to the chemical.

READ: Extreme weather expected as El Nino climate pattern returns, US forecaster says