2007
Later in the season... as things slowed down, we were given the opportunity to take the helicopter off district...
Stop number 1 on our tour of the North... Montana and the Chippie Creek Fire! It was about 11 days of fun. With more helicopters than crews, Zion Helitack helped to support the entire helibase with many positions. We had a lot of experiences on this fire. We did some ABRO work, some helispotting, we topped it off with a little PSD... although we didn't get to spike out on the line as we would have liked... it was a good time had by most if not all.
Stop number 2... Wyoming and Yellowstone N.P. on the Columbine 1 Fire! between the buffalo jams and the tourists... just getting there was a feet in itself. We spent a lot of time supporting the fire with a variety of things. We had some cold weather. We had some 
rainy weather. Did someone say snow... no but it seemed like it was right around the corner. By the time we were done with Yellowstone... it was time. Most if not all were ready to be back home! We had lost two crewmembers back to school. We had also helped many detailers to gain some needed experience... but those on the crew were running on fumes.
rainy weather. Did someone say snow... no but it seemed like it was right around the corner. By the time we were done with Yellowstone... it was time. Most if not all were ready to be back home! We had lost two crewmembers back to school. We had also helped many detailers to gain some needed experience... but those on the crew were running on fumes.
It was a great trip all in all... and the longest role that Zion Helitack has been given the pleasure of taking. 35 days on the road... and a lot of miles under our belt we returned home satisfied to wait for next seasons off district role.
Cheers,
2 comments:
I was re-reading this entry and came to the realization that it sounds like Zion Helitack doesn't do well on the road... the truth is that we are not designed to operate like a Fire Use Module or Hotshot Crew. In fact we are used to initial attack, where we work for 24-36 hours and then return to base for a refurb and much needed nights rest. Don't get me wrong... we love to go off district, we just don't do it as often or for as long as other crews...
In addition to my previous comments... Zion Helitack doesn't pace itself like Shot Crew's or Fire Use Modules... what I mean by that is we have fewer individuals to gain control of the fire and must put in an added effort which is draining. We are a lot like Jumpers in that we do great when out on the fire... but when it is done, send us back to town so that we can re-outfit and fuel ourselves for the next push...
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