Kootenai National Forest

Fire & Aviation

Air Operations

When suppressing wildland fires the Forest uses many resources. One resource used is aircraft which includes both fixed wing (airplanes) and rotor (helicopters) types. The Forest contracts a Type 3 helicopter (small, 4-5 passenger) to provide initial attack to wildland fires using fire fighter personnel transport and water bucket drops on the going fire.

Use of aircraft has increased over the last few years due to the increase in fire intensities and the need for quick response of both fire fighting individuals and other suppression resources, such as water and retardent. Other aircraft used can include Air Tankers, SEAT (single engine air tankers), Lead planes (these lead the Air Tankers into the fire for proper lineup) and larger helicopters which include Type 1 (the very large, equipment hauling types) and Type 2 (medium, 9-12 passenger). The Forest has a Helitack crew which provides support for its helicopter and personnel for fire fighting. The crew consists of 5 permanent supervisors and 6 seasonal fire fighters. A variety of aircraft used in wildland fire fighting can be seen here.

USDA Forest Service - Kootenai National Forest
Last Modified: Monday, 17 November 2003 at 13:40:59 EST