Decommissioned army helicopter will fight wildfires in state

A Vietnam-era army helicopter will be serving a new purpose next year in time for the wildfire season. The 49-year-old Huey helicopter was given to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources for free.

The DNR will spend $1.1 million to refit the helicopter, which was originally built in 1970.

Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz told KING-TV in Seattle that the cost is considerably lower than buying a new helicopter. She said adding another helicopter will make a big difference come fire season.

“They’re able to get that fire easier contained and also in some very challenging topography where we can’t really get our firefighters in safely,” Franz said to KING-TV. “We are trying to do the best we have with limited resources to make the most, so we have the kind of resources we need on the initial attack and keep our fire small.”

The helicopter will be used by the DNR’s Aviation program. According to the DNR’s website, “Washington State DNR Wildfire Aviation is a highly trained air–ground firefighting team available for Initial Attack rapid response to wildland fires. Wildfire Aviation is comprised of 8 UH-1H (B-205) helicopters modified for water/suppressant delivery in remote locations with the capability to deliver Helitack crews into otherwise unreachable terrain. Wildfire Aviation employs one program manager, one helicopter coordinator, 11 U.S. Forest Service certified helicopter pilots, 6 aviation maintenance technicians who maintain, and configure the aircraft, and one chief pilot who leads the team. Crews prepare for field assignments of 14 days.”

The DNR currently has nine other reconditioned Huey helicopters.