Aerial Wildfire Operations

An aerial perspective of fighting wildfires in British Columbia. A compilation of clips presented to show the diversity of British Columbia's terrain, fire activity, and suppression actions. Various airtanker types and control tactics. Edited for time and educational value.

British Columbia is one of the world leaders in wildfire management. The mix of aircraft sizes and types help provide support to ground resources during increased fire activity. Aging aircraft have always found a second life in the world of aerial wildfire suppression. There is no questioning the value these older aircraft, and their crews, have had in the history of fire suppression. Over time these aircraft are phased out and newer aircraft take up the helm in the name of cost effectiveness, safety, dependability, and versatility.

Airtankers support ground crews. They are ideally suited for initial attack, stopping or slowing fires when small while ground crews establish anchor points or access to the fire. On larger fires they must be part of a coordinated control plan. Supporting heavy equipment guards, reinforcing control lines, or catching small excursions from the main fire. Airtankers don't put fires out. For every fire that air tankers action, people on the ground must follow up with water delivery, heavy equipment, and aerial support in the form of helicopters.

What you won't see in this video is the thousands of people it takes to get to this point. A diverse and complex organization built on a seasonal workforce. Dispatchers, logistics, facilities, plans, operations, response officers, incident management teams, finance and administration, contract crews, heavy equipment operators, helicopter pilots, engineers, airport fuelers, airtanker base loaders, managers, executive directors, first aid contractors, communications, information technology, radio techs, professional fallers, initial attack crews, sustained action crews, truck drivers, hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, and more. It takes a community. To all of you, thank you for your time and sacrifice. We see you and appreciate you.