Fire Aviation
Planes, helicopters and uncrewed aircraft systems are critical tools in managing wildland fires. Although aircraft are often used to fight wildfires, they are but one resource utilized to suppress and manage fires. The Forest Service uses aviation resources of many types and sizes to manage wildland fires. Airtankers and helicopters can help cool the area down so that firefighters and ground equipment can work towards those areas containing and controlling the fire by driving it into natural or manmade features that will help stop or slow the fire down. Learn more about local San Juan National Forest aviation resources below.
Durango Helitack
The Durango Helitack Program consists of a 15 person Forest Service Exclusive Use Helitack Crew hosted by the San Juan N.F. in Durango, CO. The crew organization consists of 1 Helitack Supervisor, 2 Assistant Supervisors, 4 Squad Leaders, 8 Senior Firefighters and 1-2 temporary seasonal employees.
The Durango Helitack Program is a Nationally Shared Resource, trained in the tactical and logistical use of helicopters for fire management.
As a national resource, the Durango Helitack Program can be deployed anywhere throughout the United States and typically spends the majority of fire season pre-positioned for initial attack or assigned to large fires. Throughout the field season they work with a multitude of agencies including the BLM, BIA, NPS, state agencies, cities, counties and private landowners. The Durango Helitack Program is typically very busy with fire suppression from early May through late October.
Location and Accommodations
The Durango Helitack Crew is co-located with the Durango Airtanker Base at the Durango/La Plata County Airport approximately 15 miles south of the City of Durango. On site are office facilities, a warehouse/ready room, and suitable parking for air tankers and helicopters. Limited government housing is available for seasonal employees in the city of Durango.
Training
The first 2 weeks of the season starting in late April, are dedicated to classroom and field training. This training includes mandatory fire training and refreshers, interagency helicopter training, and other training being offered at the local level. Crewmembers are required to demonstrate competence in all aspects of pre-season training in order qualify as a crewmember.
Employment Opportunities
Each season the Durango Helitack Crew looks to fill one or two seasonal positions. These positions are filled at the GS-4 or GS-5 level. We are looking for motivated, physically fit, hard-working and dedicated individuals. Applicants for these positions should prepare themselves both physically and mentally to endure a long and exhaustive season. Attributes that we look for include:
- Diverse backgrounds in fire and aviation operations
- Previous firefighter experience (1-2 Seasons).
- Strong work ethic and Initiative
- Positive attitude and ability to get along with others
Applicants desiring further information should contact the base for specific job announcement information.
Contact Information
Durango Helitack 100 CR 309A Ignacio, CO 81137
Gabe Vera – Helitack Supervisor 970-375-3320 gabriel.vera@usda.gov
Killian Malone - Assistant Helitack Supervisor 703-477-7798 killian.malone@usda.gov
Durango Airtanker Base
Airtankers reload to return to the Plumtaw Fire, seen in the background, 2022
The Durango Airtanker Base is managed by the San Juan National Forest in Durango, Colorado. The base operates out of the Durango La Plata County Airport and supports airtankers, helicopters, and other aviation resources as needed.
The base has two reload pits for Large Airtankers that can carry approximately 2,000 to 4,000 gallons of retardant per load to an incident. During times of high fire activity, the base can send over 20,000 gallons of retardant in an hour to support fire operations. On average, the base has approximately 65,000 gallons of retardant available.