Tok River Fire Equipment Burn Damage 2016

At 1700 hours on July 14, a lightning-caused fire was reported to an Interior Dispatch Area (Alaska). A Type 2 Helicopter was dispatched with four Firefighters and a Pilot. While the helicopter was in route to the fire, an Air Attack, tankers, and scoopers were requested to assist. While the IC sized-up the fire, the Pilot and Helicopter Manager surveyed the surrounding area to evaluate potential landing zones and water sources. At this time, the IC and crew also noticed thunderstorm build-up in the general area. The decision was made to land the helicopter, unload firefighters and equipment, and prepare the helicopter to begin making bucket drops. With the wind blowing out of the southeast, a tussock near the heel of the fire to the north and east was selected as a Landing Zone.

Next, the winds shifted approximately 90 degrees. Now the heel of the fire, which moments before had been burning with low intensity, began actively burning—heading toward the IC and his crew. The helicopter Pilot had just filled his second bucket. He quickly dropped the water when he noticed the wind shift and flew back to the Landing Zone. The IC turned around and headed back toward the Landing Zone. He got about half way back when the helicopter returned to the Landing Zone and turned on the siren to alert the fire crew.

The crew disconnected the bucket and began loading gear back on the helicopter. When the crew began packing the bucket, the Pilot told them to leave it and get on the helicopter. The smoke column was leaning over them and the pilot was concerned that if the column dropped too close on the ground, he would not have enough visibility to lift off. The decision was made to leave the rest of the gear and get in the Helicopter. After taking off, the helicopter made several revolutions around the area hoping to be able to land again and retrieve their gear. The fire continued burning in the direction of the Landing Zone, growing from approximately 16 acres at 1730 to an estimated 100 acres at 1810. The helicopter bucket, a chainsaw, a pump, and a flight helmet were all eventually consumed by the approaching fire.

Equipment, Aviation, Helicopters, Initial Attack, RLS, Narrow Escape