Tools Used for Delivery There are numerous platforms utilized to deliver suppressant and retardant to a fire area Each has its own unique abilities and functions Within the fire arena Fixed Wing ID: 698910
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Resource Advisor Training Aircraft and Related IssuesSlide2
Tools Used for Delivery
There are numerous platforms utilized to deliver suppressant and retardant to a fire area. Each has its own unique abilities and functions Within the fire arena. Slide3
Fixed Wing
Large Air TankerSlide4
BAE146Slide5
Single Engine Air Tankers SEATSSlide6
VLAT DC-10 10,000 gallonsSlide7
ScoopersCL-415Slide8
Martin MarsSlide9
Rotor Wing TankedSlide10
Rotor Wing BucketSlide11
Material Delivered
During fire operations aircraft deliver a number of materials to assist in fire suppression . Primarily there are four being used today they are:
Retardant
Water
Foam
GelSlide12
Retardant
Used to treat fuels ahead of the fire is rarely dropped directly on the fire
Is to be kept 300 ft. from open waterways
Retardant avoidance areas are specific to Forest Service only
Chemical makeup varies by product and manufacturerSlide13
Water
Issues include:
Introduction and spread of introduced and harmful species into streams and lakes
Hazmat associated with mechanized equipment
Private inholdings and use during fie operationsSlide14
Foam
Product mixed with water then delivered to fire. In many cases it is injected before release from tank or bucket
Primarily delivered with rotor wing aircraft
Is dropped on the fire as a suppressant
Harmful to aquatic life as it acts as a surfactant
Is not to be used closer then 300 feet to open water.
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Gel
Product mixed with water in a tank then delivered to the fire as a suppressant
Primarily delivered in fixed wing aircraft as a substitute for retardant
Is a polymer based product that does not biodegrade is not as harmful to aquatic life as foam will reconstitute when rewetted
300 ft. buffer from open water requiredSlide16
Transportation of Invasive Species
Aircraft have the potential to transport and spread aquatic invasive species. The objective of all Invasives Plans is to prevent introduction of new species to an eco system and prevent the spread of known invasives to uninfected areas.
As a READ it is important to know what the invasives are in your areas
Be prepared with the required mitigation methods work with the local FAO/UAO on building a plan that can be implemented
Know where the hot spots are to avoid
Have a supply of any special chemicals or washing agents that are not readily available
Ensure equipment is clean and inspected before it is used in your areaSlide17
Transportation
The primary use of rotor wing aircraft transporting water is to deliver it to a fire. Transition from one water body to another can be mitigated in a number of ways. They include:
Pre-identification of dip sites and washing protocols
A plan for dealing with in coming aircraft for inspection and cleaning.
Mapping areas of concern and “hot spots” to avoid
Understanding the system snorkel, bucket, bucket with
torx
valve
READS with a knowledge of the areas and concerns, types of aquatics that exist in the area are key in successful mitigation measuresSlide18Slide19
Scoopers
CL-215 and 415 are becoming more common as a suppression tool. These aircraft can deliver large quantities of water to a fire and have the potential to quickly move from one body of water to another with out landing or refueling. As this is a newer tool for many areas use will be a learning experience.Slide20
Scoopers
Potential Problems:
Water being dropped from a lake into a stream which flows into a different drainage.
Spreading surface invasives such as milfoil mats
Spreading invasives from one lake to another as the overflow during pickup is put into the water body.
Many of these aircraft work in areas where zebra mussels are present in the water
Forest Service is contracting more of these resources then in previous yearsSlide21
Scooper Mitigations
If you work in an area that has the potential to use the aircraft the following measures and
pre-planning
help in the prevention of introduction and spread of invasives
Have a plan for pre use inspection, cleaning and use
Have scooping areas pre-identified and inspected for invasives. If you use an infected area then have a plan and equipment available to cleanse the system
Once use is completed ensure aircraft is cleaned before it leaves or moves to a new body of water.
Discuss with FAO/UAO of potential areas that could be used and build a plan to manage the resources once they arrive.
Pre-planning is the key to success