Do helicopters drop water on fires?

In wildland firefighting parlance, it’s simply called “bucket work.” That’s the term used to describe one of the jobs helicopters perform while fighting wildfires – dropping super-sized buckets of water on fires to douse flames and hot spots.

How much water can a firefighting helicopter carry?

They can typically carry 700 gallons of water or retardant via a bucket or a snorkel that fills an internal tank. These helicopters can strategically drop thousands of gallons of water or retardant with pinpoint accuracy, while working closely with ground personnel and other firefighting aircraft.

How do firefighters get water to wildfires?

In rural areas, firefighters will typically draw water from wells. The means of replenishing water varies by vehicle. Cal Fire said that ground vehicles such as fire engines and water tenders will typically refill by using local fire hydrants but also sometimes siphon from lakes, ponds and swimming pools.

How much water can a Chinook helicopter carry?

Heavy-lift helicopters use buckets to carry and deploy up to 2,650 gallons of water and chemical retardants, and our Columbia CH-47D Chinooks have the lowest cost per gallon delivery of any fire-fighting helicopter.

What do helicopters dump on fires?

When a large plane dumps a cloud of red retardant at the site of a forest fire, it helps build a fireline around the flames. By the same token, a helicopter or a small scooper plane dumps water directly onto the wildfire to tamp things down to allow the ground crews to encircle the area with firebreaks.

What do helicopters drop on forest fires?

Helicopters can hover over the fire and drop water or retardant. The S-64 Helitanker has microprocessor-controlled doors on its tank. The doors are controlled based on the area to be covered and wind conditions. Fixed-wing aircraft must make a pass and drop water or retardant like a bomber.

How big is the water bucket on a helicopter?

72 to 2,600 U.S. gallons
Buckets can be collapsible or rigid and vary in capacity from 72 to 2,600 U.S. gallons (60 to 2,165 imperial gallons; 273 to 9,842 liters). The size of each bucket is determined by the lifting capacity of the helicopter required to utilise each version.

How many gallons does a water bomber hold?

According to Flight International, the CL-415 has good handling on the water, being relatively easy to operate in comparison with several other amphibious aircraft. The CL-515 can hold up to 7,000 litres (1,850 US gallons), and has a refill time of 14 seconds.

Do they use ocean water to fight fires?

Fire can be put out with seawater, though it is not usually used to do so. Saltwater can effectively extinguish fire, but it may damage firefighting equipment and hurt plant life if used. Saltwater use creates problems for both the water distributing equipment and the surrounding environment.

How do firefighters find hydrants?

Firefighters will often draw from multiple fire hydrants during a large blaze and search for hydrants attached to larger water pipes to ensure enough water, he added. “When we go to large incidents, there are times when there is such a demand for water that the water systems can be overwhelmed.”

Why is it called a Bambi bucket?

“Bambi Bucket” isn’t a nickname. It’s actually a trademarked name owned by Canadian industrial fabrics manufacturer SEI Industries (“We Engineer Solutions). Folklore will have you believe the bucket got its name from a sultry waitress named Bambie, who worked at a famous firefighter bar in Boise, Idaho.

What is the red powder they drop on fires?

flame retardant
What is that red stuff that’s dropped from the sky when a wildfire breaks out? It’s flame retardant that firefighting crews use to control and contain wildfires. They don’t drop it directly onto flames; rather, firefighters anticipate where the fire might spread, and they drop the retardant ahead of the flames.