USDA Forest Service
 

Payette National Forest

 
 
Payette Avalanche Center
Hell's Canyon National Recreation Area
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Payette National Forest
800 West Lakeside Ave
McCall, ID 83638-3602

(208) 634-0700

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Payette NF
Krassel Ranger District
McCall, Id 83638
(208) 634-0600
Helitack Foreman
Doug Marolf

[photograph- header banner]  Helicopter flying overhead and the Krassel Heli-rappellers patch.
Background Information

The Payette National Forest has been the home to the krassel Helitack Crew since 1978.  Krassel Helitack introduced rappelling to their initial attack operations in 1994.  Since bringing rappel operations to the Forest, the Payette, which averages 145 fire starts per year has begun to rely heavily on this efficient means of initial attack for fire suppression.

The Krassel Ranger District consists of 1.2 million acres, 800,000 of which are a part of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.  The remaining 400,000 acres are a remote, non-wilderness land base containing some of the most beautiful and steepest country in the West.  The ten year average over the last decade show that the Krassel District has had about 44 fires each season, burning about 43,000 acres per year.

Location and Housing

Krassel helibase is located along the South Fork Salmon River approximately 18 air miles from the town of McCall, ID.  The base has no electricity or telephones, with the exception of limited generated power, therefore offering a unique and remote summer living atmosphere for the employee.  The area offers the outdoor enthusiast opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and hunting during recreational time.

Physical Fitness Requirements

Physical Fitness is a top priority for Krassel helitack. We seek individuals with the motivation to be in top physical condition.  A physically fit employee will be a safer and more productive employee.  Krassel has established a stringent daily physical training program to maintain employee fitness.  The program is set up to give individuals a well-rounded  workout through a variety of exercises.

A high level of physical fitness is required before the start of the season. Expectations are that the employee reporting for the first day of work is able to meet the minimum standards listed below.  On average, these minimums are exceeded.  Part of the test is to show that an individual can perform with the crew to ensure a cohesive, safe, and effective team.

  • 45 pound pack test, over 3 miles in 45 minutes or less
  • 45 sit-ups in 60 seconds
  • 25 push-ups in 60 seconds
  • 7 chin-ups
  • 1 1/2 mile run in 11:40 or less
  • 85 pound pack test over 3 miles of typical terrain in 90 minutes or less
[photograph] Helirappeller on skid ready to lower down.

 

 

US Forest Service - Payette National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 06 December 2007 at 17:45:15 EST


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