Pole Creek Bucket Extraction 2012

The Pole Creek Fire was reported to the Deschutes National Forest on September 9, 2012 and was initial attacked by local suppression resources. The fire grew beyond the capability of local resources, and a type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT T2) was ordered for September 10. The IMT T2 was extended an additional seven days beyond their initial 14-day assignment to complete their objectives and transferred the fire command to a local type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT T3) on September 29 (day 20 of their assignment). September 28th was a “shadow day” for the incoming Forest IMT T3 organization. At approximately 1300 hours, the pilot of a type 2 helicopter engaged in bucket support with a Task Force Leader (TFLD) on the fire’s western flank believed the TFLD’s position was being compromised by a change in fire behavior. The pilot encouraged the TFLD to climb into the helicopter bucket and flew him to a safe location approximately one-half mile away from the fire edge.