Resource Advisor Training Aircraft and Related Issues

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

Large Air Tanker

BAE146

Single Engine Air Tankers SEATS

VLAT DC-10 10,000 gallons

ScoopersCL-415

Martin Mars

Rotor Wing Tanked

Rotor Wing Bucket

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 Gel

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 manufacturer

WaterIssues include:

Introduction and spread of introduced and harmful species into streams and lakes

Hazmat associated with mechanized equipment

Private inholdings and use during fie operations

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.

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 required

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 area

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 measures

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.

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 years

Scooper MitigationsIf 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