While many areas in the western U.S. are coping with snow, much of the eastern part of the country is just beginning their spring fire season. In Pennsylvania the season officially began yesterday even though they also had a little snow on the ground near the Ohiopyle helibase where they welcomed the contract helicopter and crew that will be stationed there until May 5.
This year a Jet Ranger III, owned by Big Sky Beck Properties Inc. out of Big Sky, Montana will be stationed at the facility near Ohiopyle State Park, about 30 miles southeast of Pittsburgh (map). The Jet Ranger can carry about 110 gallons of water in the bucket.
Pilot Rick Harmon of Wyoming flew the Jet Ranger across the country in a two-day 14-hour journey.
In Lake City, Florida (map) the U. S. Forest Service has contracted for a Sikorsky S-58ET owned by Heli-Flite from Corona, California. It can carry about 625 gallons of water in a bucket, according to pilot Scott Donley who has been flying for 20 years.
North Carolina has some Vietnam-era Hueys; South Carolina just uses the National Guard Blackhawks if needed.
Actually, NC has a uh-1 and 2 as350 (astars) Miami Dade effective? thats a good one.
Miami- Dade Fire Rescue has four modern Type 2 helicopters they use for EMS transport, but during fire season they can attach a fixed tank or bambi bucket. With all the dip sites around, they do some very effective work.
CT does not use the state police helicopter anymore. If water drops are needed the ANG is called in.
Maine Forest Service owns 6 helicopters and 3 light aircraft.Massachusetts’ & Connecticut’s forest fire services both maintain bambi buckets that can be slung under their respective State Police helicopters as needed. Massachusetts also has a larger bucket for use with MA Air National Guard Blackhawks. NY Forest Rangers likewise have a bambi bucket for use with NYANG Blackhawks. I think they do the state police helicopter program like MA & CT as well.
Thanks JP.
many of the eastern states forestry services do have their own helo’s, either owned outright, leased or through exclusive contracts.. In Florida, the Division of Forestry has 5 type 2 helicopters (205B ++) and 4 type 3 helicopters (206B3) all acquired through federal surplus. In addition many of the counties have their own helicopters for ems, sheriff and can act in fire suppression activities, as well as USFS contract helicopters