Mounted search and rescue

[Pennbo <pennbo@bbv.net>]

I'm not sure about the fixed wing craft so much as they are staging from 
locations down the hill mostly. We are staging the helo craft locally. I 
am not a pilot so my terminology probably isn't correct! <G> I know we 
have several of what we call "skeeters" - (the large helo's with the 
tube hanging down) that hold fire retardant. They've been sucking up the 
treated water from our wastewater plant to mix with retardant. They are 
LOUD. Then we have a big crew of smaller helo's that carry scoop 
buckets. Today only recon craft in the air.

I know there is a lot of talk about the Super Tankers that should be in 
use. Apparently Evergreen has several DC10s I believe sitting on an 
airbase near us waiting for the red tape to be cut so they can take to 
the air. The talk I hear is that they are not fullly tested and 
therefore some are hesitant to use them in such dangerous and shifting 
air currents. We DON'T want to add any deaths to this fire if we can 
help it! I know there is some talk about the 747 but the same wind issue 
is at play. I'll try to keep you updated on the aircraft use as I hear it!

Chris Pennington