Smokey Bear Appearance Guidelines
Smokey Bear is one of the most recognizable figures in forestry and fire prevention. This factsheet, developed with the Ad Council and National Association of State Foresters, details the rules and expectations for those wearing the Smokey Bear costume and handlers who assist Smokey during appearances.
#SmokeyBear, #FirePrevention, #FireAndAviationManagement
Bulldozers of fire
At about 50,000 pounds, equipped with a 12-foot metal blade, the medium sized dozer can construct a wider fireline quickly. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, medium-sized dozers are generally the best all-around size for fireline construction as they are maneuverable and…
#Fire, #Firefighters, #WildlandFirefighting, #FireAndAviationManagement, #Mitigation, #HeavyEquipment, #Wildfire, #FireLine
Operation Sky Hammer: Fighting fire in the Rockies
When smoke begins to rise across the Rocky Mountains, a unique firefighting force lifts off—fast. Operation Sky Hammer was designed to improve success during initial attack on wildfires. The effort combines two helitankers, a helicopter coordinator, and a mobile retardant base. Together, they form a highly mobile and high‑powered response team that can be staged in areas with high fire danger.…
#Fire, #Aviation, #FireAndAviationManagement, #Helicopter, #Firefighters, #WildlandFirefighting, #Wildfire
Smokejumper Spotter Academy: Training leaders in the sky
Pick your favorite theme song and imagine it hits the loudspeakers. You suit up, load up and head out to the plane. After a 20-minute flight you are briefed about the jump spot and the fire behavior. A tap on the back tells you to hone your focus and remember every day of training you’ve had as you free fall into the atmosphere. Five seconds, a tug and tranquility follows the rush of adrenaline…
#Smokejumpers, #Wildfire, #WildlandFire, #WildlandFirefighters, #Aviation, #FireAndAviationManagement, #Fire, #Firefighters
A season of milestones: National Helicopter Rappel Program
Rappellers descend from the Super Puma Type 1 Helicopter. The Super Puma is larger and can carry more firefighters and gear. (USDA Forest Service photo)
For firefighters who rappel down ropes from helicopters, this year brought historic achievements and a renewed sense of purpose. The USDA Forest Service’s…
#FireAndAviationManagement, #Firefighters, #FirefighterSafety
Newly renovated Los Padres Air Tanker Base opens for service
Santa Maria Air Tanker Base Manager Miguel Quiz cuts the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the new air tanker base operations center at the Central Coast Jet Center on the Santa Maria Airport. (USDA Forest Service photo by Andrew Madsen)
The Forest Service air tanker base at the Santa…