tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15378559758996343542024-02-20T12:36:07.682-08:00Zion HelitackM.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-57791634029546998952010-07-12T17:11:00.000-07:002010-07-12T17:32:37.052-07:00Farewell To Reid!It has been a long while since the last post. There is a lot to catch up on, and I am sure that in time those posts about the crews pre-season activities will be shared. I wanted to share my thanks with all of those who follow this blog. I have been given an opportunity to move on in my career. I have been the Helitack Supervisor for Zion National Park for going on 6 years. Sometimes the road has been bumpy, sometimes full of danger and excitement. There has been plenty of long days, and some that lacked the ability to capture my memories. Altogether it has been a defining experience to support this program in becoming more than it was when I arrived. <br /><br />I have accepted a position with Aviation Management as an Aviation Training Specialist. Those who know me will understand that this position combines two loves that I have. One for aviation and its use in resource management, the other for training which is the keystone of every good crew and employee. I hope to join a new team of professional individuals that are striving to support our many DOI field units, and their training needs.<br /><br />I have left the crew with as much knowledge as I had the time to deliver... I have left them very capable of continuing in a positive and respectable way. It is difficult for me to express in words the mix of emotions that I feel! I watched the crew role out to a fire today, and my heart desired to be with them... My hope is that the next Helicopter Manager to call this crew "theirs", will spend the time, energy, and thought required to continue it's growth. There are no perfect crews, but there are crews with the desire to become perfect... That is what my hope is for this crew, that it never loses that desire. Through my own experience I am keenly aware of the fact that the Helitack Supervisor creates the stage by which the crew will achieve or fail. I hope that my successor is also aware of that, and does his/her best to support this crew in achieving greater things.<br /><br />I have left the blog to capable hands on the crew... this will be my last post. I would encourage those who have become fans of this blog to continue their support. I too will become a faithful follower of the activities that Zion Helitack has in the future...<br /><br />Cheers, Have a great Season... and we'll see you on the "flip side" of things!<br />Michael L. Reid (M.L.)M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-62735726969425040482010-05-26T19:05:00.000-07:002010-05-26T19:17:22.269-07:00Updates!!!Crew is on... Reid attended Honor Guard training... Hillsboro aviation has been on sight for the past week with the brand new 407... and today members of the crew took their first flight on and under the helicopter.<br /><br />There has been a lot of activity over the past three weeks with the crew. We experienced the crew coming on and going through the activities that often accompany the first week of employment. It was a long week and a crash course in personalities. During that week Reid was absent as he was attending training for the first ever formed Honor Guard for fire within the National Park Service. Something that Zion can be proud to be a part of. The crew followed up week one with a solid week of training... most everyone on the crew had some course that they were either a part of or preparing for. It was another busy week of everyone going a different direction. Runyan, our new assistant, joined us on Sunday. We are excited to welcome him to the crew. He is quickly adjusting to life with the crew.... Hillsboro Aviation has been on sight for about 10 days now. The pilots have been preparing very diligently for what has occured over the past couple of days. Short-haul training began a couple of days ago... today we took our first flights under the belly of a brand new 407. It was a huge culmination of an immense amount of effort in planning and training. Zion Helitack has become a short-haul qualified program. Lay spent two weeks training with the Guard... we are proud to have a member of our armed services on the crew, and we support him in his efforts to enhance this country and its borders. Also we teamed up for a 5K mud run that happened this last weekend. Our crew did well... and represented in honorable fashion at the New Harmony VFD fundraiser mud run.<br /><br />So as I started... lots to report! I have plenty of video and pictures and when I get a moment to do so... I will post individual posts about each of the things mentioned above. Until then....<br /><br />stay safe!M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-49533562222157670022010-04-19T19:35:00.000-07:002010-04-19T20:45:06.095-07:00Mill Flat Fire - Official Report!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 94px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462049057867362706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAfmQvkh6NPB5ip3BpsfEKYpASZdhQ24RGWgJv2wb-g8c-ZwGR5gpWzrEzruMtFtFpZ-YJzahOY4OR3AM2tQcxPFdiJbUHJ1ba1pxpS6K5WR_FMWBejwaz2TpZ_ABVExjHv1MCZnat10/s400/Mill+Flat+Landscape.jpg" />The Mill Flat Fire - Discovered on July 25<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, it was determined that the fire in the Pine Valley mountains above New Harmony was a good candidate for a "resource benefit" managed event. On August 29<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, over a month later, the Mill Flat fire experienced a rapid growth event and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">descended</span> out of the Pine Mountain Wilderness into the town of New Harmony. August 31st, 2009 a Type 1 Incident Management Team (Muir) transitioned with local management to engage, coral, and extinguish the resource benefit fire that had become a nightmare for local residents in Southern <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Utah's</span> town of New Harmony.<br /><div><div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462049061554837250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqvrN3_pFv-lgHySMBrF78TApLdeL8_4Nd459MfdTiJRW1oBLCXcJBchdbQuun8iemxwZnp_qD2vdIDy9MRI0x-VyqQdGt1fyr0tiZc92db78usreYpLH_yTnzJ13pr2nFEUxJLzU9Ss/s400/Mill+Flat+Night.jpg" /></div><div>For a month, residents of New Harmony and Firefighters alike had watched with anticipation and anxiety as the Mill Flat Fire grew in strength. Initially the fire was located in an area where the re-introduction of aspen would have been beneficial to the forest. The introduction of the aspen required a disturbance event much like a fire, and in the early days of the Mill Flat Fire it looked as though "Mother Nature" had chosen the time and place to ensure regeneration of the aspen within the Pine Mountain Wilderness. Something that local land managers were in support of. Everything looked good for about a month... but due to the growth of the fire and change in conditions, the fire was heading for an event that no one anticipated and everyone feared.</div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 321px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462049048797077730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-u5Jcybpzs52Teouh_Fp6qK0gybsf_i0nnJ0eiMw7mIuuK8eloMpJCjn6MiC4NQVRAgP_B3yQLgSaOIyGfMQyZ4plsIHy2kFAOgod2qOfTCVpCGg-uW-9wagUOHscjlKf9w5HW9xk_xc/s400/Mill+Flat+Home.jpg" /></div></div></div></div><br /><p>When the uncontrolled <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wildland</span> Fire, called the Mill Flat, came down off the mountainside it did so with a fury unmatched. It burned long into the evening, well beyond the hours of operation for the aerial assault that was taking place earlier in the day. It felt as though the efforts that the helicopters and air-tankers had made earlier in the day were fruitless. In fact the aviation show had been shut down earlier than nightfall due to the intense winds that were driving the raging inferno. As the town was evacuated, firefighter retreated to a fallback position. Structures had been evaluated for structure protection previously in preparing for worst event <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">scenario</span>, and now as that fell upon the firefighters in the ash of a raging wildfire it was evident that the actions to be taken would be heroic if they were to save every structure. They battled through the night, and in the morning it was reported that several structures had been lost. It wasn't for the lack of effort from the firefighters on the line, as they had engaged the fire toe to toe. In the end despite every effort made by the firefighters, the rage of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">inferno</span> and the lack of preparation on the part of some residents made for a losing battle. </p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462049074804524018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTzoGtWqwZH876MZG5oUPmp0J3D5uBMu9CXajVLgOaRN9ZVBrm8mvd-L2tsfisjmPjNpBFjWVtRDA6nLm5hNNOSnu6H9lyqM89bGFr0J-2pnwJROGPPaANwErxALzs5f0qsoY980waxQ/s400/nuclear-explosion.jpg" /></p><p>As we prepared for the incoming type 1 management team, we spoke with many of the residents located within the area of destruction. In their minds the result of the fire might as well have been a Nuclear Explosion. The land in and around structures standing and destroyed, looked like devastation. It was a difficult fire to extinguish... and the efforts of the firefighters that were on the line should be commended by all. </p><p>So the question remains... why didn't local managers take action to engage the fire, earlier in its growth? The answer to this question may not be black and white. In many ways the answer is subjective at best. In our careers as firefighters we understand one thing better than most, "hindsight is 20/20"! So rather than point fingers, or issue judgement we wish to share with you the final report issued just last month. Take a moment to read it, and in your own subjective manner you can feel free to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">render</span> your own judgement. In so doing, please understand... there is a distinction between decision that are made on a national, regional, and local level by managers and policy makers from those that are engaged in exercising action based on those decisions. Basically, don't disregard the efforts that those young men and women firefighters took to engage this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">wildland</span> fire. They are heroic actions that put their lives in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">jeopardy</span>! So be critical of decisions that were made by all levels of management, however don't be judgemental of the firefighters that did their best when the opportunity to fight the fire was given to them.</p><p>Here is the link to the final report... </p>http://www.wildfirelessons.net/documents/Mill_Flat_Fire_Review.pdfM.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-53766833126919994862010-04-02T22:10:00.000-07:002010-04-02T22:23:52.684-07:00Zion Helicopter Contract Awarded!<div><div>Finally... it has been a long time coming. Today we were informed that the contract solicitation for Zion N.P.'s exclusive use helicopter, has been awarded.</div><div></div><br /><div>Congratulations to Hillsboro Aviation. They will be returning to Cedar City Utah for the 2010 season. This time bringing with them a Bell 407 instead of the L-4.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455775236254181314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJp-ZBlZahtmVHIey9AbUQxSpYBdf7AnPqWtCDk2LFQDSaw2BYEx9LfyxsRxK4K1UCw4VfJsqNs98yKUM4NHsoeVqIk2qNhJ9YIIK62Nippl6fflhjO3BqQDVI4QeAlFEbXkqn5XIx6U/s400/Hillsboro_407_2.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>The new aircraft, less than 100 hrs of flight on it, was delivered to Hillsboro at the end of 2009. The above picture shows our primary pilot, Nicole Ludwig, at the controls of this beautiful machine (N407HL).</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455775227522932418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaVqJEqKI33VeXj6Tnnq_JEKJqMjUrVrKk48nskwgAs9NTvWrfKvuaVD_rusm8o7mQfqkTuUytkxfFa-463HsdlBji6IdQBjrwea_KDVLHaXRmgJLJlEhEeV4H9ofZ0MvQ-C_NgYXL3E/s400/Hillsboro_407.JPG" /></div></div><br /><p> </p><p>This picture shows the 407 doing some training work, full down collective. With this new aircraft comes a brand new fuel vehicle as well. The 800 gallon Dodge truck will be a welcome addition to the contract. This year Hillsboro will also provide us with a mechanic, per contract requirement. It will be good to have a mechanic/driver with us each day to watch over the maintenance of the helicopter.</p><p>4 years ago we broke in, what was a near new aircraft... we are once again going to have the pleasure of breaking in an even newer aircraft. So for the crewmembers who will be joining our team this year... start wrapping your mind around the new call sign "seven-hotel-lima". This may be a difficult task for several of us who have been used to the look (which hasn't changed much) and call sign of our previous aircraft (420RL). I personally feel that "seven-hotel-lima" rolls off the tongue a little smoother.</p><p>Congrats to Hillsboro Aviation... we look forward to teaming up with you for another contract period!</p><p> </p>M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-72570266858241337972010-03-11T19:46:00.000-08:002010-03-11T20:00:50.849-08:00Wildland Firefighter FoundationTook a moment this evening to watch a wonderful video that was sent to me. It is a short 15 minutes of explanation concerning the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. I, like many others in this industry, have lost people I cared about to wildland fires. The business of fighting wildland fires is dangerous. The compensation for long hours in terrible conditions is sometimes insulting, but then most who have been wildland firefighters for any time at all do so for a love that is deeper than the money they receive. I would encourage you to take a few minutes and watch this video...<br /><br /><br /><object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=10049763&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=10049763&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10049763">Wildland Firefighter Foundation 2010</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/paulsteele">Paul Steele</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br />The Wildland Firefighter Foundation is a valuable part of the society that every firefighter belongs to. It is comforting to know that should something go wrong my loved ones will have support that extends beyond immediate family... to a much larger family... my fire family!<br /><br />If you are not a member of the 52 club... then join! If you are a current member of the 52 club, my heartfelt thanks for your unselfish support! As we head into the 2010 fire season, it is my hope and prayer that we all come home safely...M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-33236495347603728382010-03-08T18:55:00.000-08:002010-03-26T12:57:21.516-07:00Helitack VideosI am sad to say... the video's that had been posted needed to be removed. Unfortunately, some of the comments being received from the videos reflected a portion of the public that felt as if the government employees were waisting tax paying dollars. I can understand how a person might have that opinion after watching the videos, however I tend to disagree. What we do in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wildland</span> Firefighting community is not only dangerous but demanding. Young men and women work 16 hour days only to return to a tent and a sleeping bag for rest. Often times we are sleeping in a camp where generators and lights keep you up for hours beyond retiring to bed and wake you up hours before you need to be up. Most people run on 5-6 hours of sleep each night, only to return to a very tough and demanding job the next day. If you have ever managed a crew like this, you know how difficult it is to keep the moral of the crew at an acceptable level. I would be the first to say that we represent the Government and must act accordingly... I would also say that the public should understand that the job is fraught with long hours for mediocre pay and plenty of discomfort and risk. To allow a crew to enjoy a moment or two of silly antics is a small substitute for all that our firefighters do on a daily basis.<br /><br />Perhaps I am critical in sharing my opinion... however, here I go! Show me a professional who has not left work physically or mentally a few minutes early, or someone who has not taken a pen or pencil from the office. Show me a person who has not jumped on the company computer to take care of personal chores or look at something totally unrelated to their job. Show me the person who hasn't stopped by a store while running a company errand, or arrived at work a few minutes late. I believe that most everyone, with very few exceptions, have found themselves doing something that could be considered unproductive, or down right theft of property (be it time or money). Wouldn't that make most of those who point the finger at a group of young men and claim, "they are waisting government time" hypocritical?<br /><br />Studies have shown that happy employees are harder workers... perhaps allowing them the opportunity to film a few moments during work time is the inappropriate thing to do, but I would ask what is appropriate? Is it the times on a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Helibase</span> where upper management sits around telling stories of heroic actions that they took in the past, despite those "war stories" being unrelated to the task at hand? Is it the times during a meeting when employees complain about policy and management for what turns into hours? Is it the extra long lunch that was taken in order to drop a letter by the post office, or enjoy the company of a friend that you haven't seen in a very long time? I could point out hours of waste that I have seen within the Government... and it isn't just the Government. I am sure anyone reading this could share moments of observed time that was wasted at their offices or that they have seen doing errands on a daily basis.<br /><br />I support the job that our firefighters do... I support the idea that they are often placed in situations where time is wasted, and it is not due to their actions. I know that as Government employees we represent something beyond ourselves, and must act with a level of integrity. However, why is it we can't support a moment of jovial fun that allowed everyone watching to laugh for a moment before going back to the hard, demanding, and dangerous work that they were doing? As a manager of a group of highly trained professionals who struggle at times to maintain a level of moral, I think it is the little things we do that make the difference for our people. I like to look at it in this way... I demand a high level of action and accomplishment from my people. So when the moment arises, where productivity won't be hurt and the consequences of action are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">minuscule</span>, why not let your employees relax! Get off of their backs, if only for a moment or two, and let them enjoy what they do. In the end they will work harder, smarter, and longer for you when they are asked to do so.<br /><br />Food for thought!<br />M.L.M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-75906546090534784652010-03-02T21:39:00.000-08:002010-03-02T21:49:25.747-08:00Wildland Firefighter Foundation!!!<div>This is a great cause, and it is easy for you to contribute. For the next 11 + days you can vote on a NASCAR racing design that would place the Wildland Firefighting Foundation front and center... Follow this link each day to vote!</div><div></div><div><a href="http://ramblingsofachiefofficer.blogspot.com/2010/02/dont-forget-to-vote-for-wildland.html">http://ramblingsofachiefofficer.blogspot.com/2010/02/dont-forget-to-vote-for-wildland.html</a></div><div></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444279494004293202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdPaOdTjPXCv0UhUSQ_m8nBK6Z5yR_UyxMsgN9e66Phk5HkHZg5ZXGbYIxjS8_V0EtilP82vDgyWNPQlq4mnAP21znzA5KcYdiwPRpi_BAFtS3t80tSH1gvGwFHdRL8ilX8OsMjrbtyXA/s400/WFF2.jpg" /> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 177px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444279491291921986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1J3US0zNAjIHzpZJl8VClQDBgkmiC9Dxvmeco_Npt17Sp5PinilUOwyNaRyjn4dtdSNimasdY6XQSIx0u7PDuot2gxU0cNwOV2fgSEMaBqrnylaKb8pJ435dTxVD8r78R02G8zA6Mgo/s400/WFF1.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Thanks everyone for taking the time to support such a wonderful cause... Our Fallen Firefighters Deserve It!!!</p><p></p>M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-52785289227634373702010-02-26T18:48:00.000-08:002010-02-26T19:19:13.931-08:00Slingin' Shit !!!Well as many of you know, twice a year the government contracts a helicopter to support bringing human waste off of Scout's Lookout. Many people have voiced their dislike of the dollars spent to bring barrels of human waste off of the mountain, however many of those same people would not hesitate to step into the bathroom at Scouts Lookout. There isn't much in the way of choice when the urge hits you.<br /><br />This time around we were a little anxious as the canyon had received snow just days earlier. The guys heading up the hill had to clamp on special traction gear to their boots to navigate the slick sections of refrigerator canyon and walter's wiggles. The morning started out very cold, but as the sun came up it felt good to be outside doing this project. It is a great time of the year to be up on Scouts Lookout, as there are few if any visitors that would dare climb the trail. It makes for a very peaceful experience, up top!<br /><br />Check out this video, it may give those of you who wonder how we fly "shit" off the hill, that needed visual.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx1sTTravTSdHqogUSAQlKD-a4YpQ1_D5Ng8MQyTllUgL-yJ1nnEu6CktNjAjz3muWWpoUBrtEsnKsJgTI1WA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />So the next time you find yourself at Scouts Lookout and you take the opportunity to relieve yourself, just remember that yes someone is shoveling your waste into a barrel and we are flying that crap to the bottom of the hill.<br /><br />Your tax paying dollars at work... we're glad we could support such an important operation. Our hats are off to the real hero's in this project, those men and women that hike up the hill on a regular basis to shovel shit... thank you "Mr. Shit Shoveler" for making our visits to the park more tolerable.<br /><br />cheers,M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-62030428208812349492010-02-24T21:01:00.000-08:002010-02-24T21:11:54.212-08:00Hiring Completed!It has been a very difficult season for hiring... the 2010 application process brought some of the strongest candidates that we have seen in a very long time. It has not been without complication... we have hit some brick walls in hiring and experienced some difficult decisions. We would like to thank everyone that put in for one of the few positions available this season... We encourage those who were not contacted, or did not get selected to apply again next season.<br /><br />With that, we would like to introduce you to the 2010 Zion Helitack Team!<br /><br />Michael Reid - Program Manager<br />Ben Thayer - Senior Lead Crewmember<br />Ben Suerig - Lead Crewmember<br />Norman "Iceman" Allen - Senior Crewmember<br />Thea Hamm - Senior Crewmember<br />Bryan Quimby - Crewmember<br />Carol Adam - Crewmember<br />Kristin Matjasich - Crewmember<br />Cresston Lay - Crewmember<br /><br />Congrat's to everyone who will returned and to those newly hired.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />M.L.M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-52667167100558680232010-02-08T19:52:00.000-08:002010-02-08T20:14:45.990-08:00Grand Canyon HelitackIn the absence of much to report for Zion Helitack, we would like to share an exciting video highlighting our neighboring park. Grand Canyon National Park has a 365 day exclusive contract with one of the most unique utility helicopters in the business. The MD 900 Explorer is a twin engine NOTAR helicopter. The NOTAR helicopter refers to the lack of a tail rotor. It makes this helicopter fairly quiet as helicopters go. This is important due to the sound quality over our national parks, and Grand Canyon requires a lot of helicopter work. This helitack crew works behind the scenes to support the water pipeline, wildland fire, and search and rescue within the park. A job that requires hundreds of hours in flight, over some very breathtaking scenery. The following video is of the rescue performed on Hermits Trail. We would like to thank the Grand Canyon Helitack Crew for sharing such an awesome video:<br /><br /><br /><object width="450" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gQ3Hbyl2_DA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gQ3Hbyl2_DA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="450" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />Zion National Park has utilized the great tool that is short haul, many times during the past few years. We have counted on professionals from the Grand Canyon to perform these necessary life saving short hauls. The Grand Canyon Crew is very well trained and exemplify professionalism in every evolution that they have performed for Zion N.P. We are anxious to learn from them as we enter into a new program element for Zion Helitack. It is our hopes that we will be approved to engage in short haul training for the 2010 season. Undoubtedly we will look to our neighboring National Park for support in training and becoming proficient with the tool, short haul.<br /><br />Until next time!<br />cheers,M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-8224439807134280972010-02-02T20:59:00.000-08:002010-02-02T21:10:32.237-08:00Certificate is in!This is just a simple and short post to let everyone know that we have pulled our first "certificate" for seasonal hiring. We dove in head first today, muddling our way through the hiring process. It is important that everyone who applied be aware of a couple of things:<br /><br /><ul><li>Numbers - qualified applicants for the GS-3 level equaled 210, applicants for the GS-4 level equaled 54, applicants for the GS-5 level equaled 31... so total number of applicants equaled approximately 295!!!! </li><li>We have funding for 3 GS-4 positions available (this does not mean that we will only hire GS-4's, however it does mean the we will not be hiring any GS-5's)</li><li>It will take us a couple of weeks to get through the initial process of narrowing our applicant pool down to a reasonable number of qualified applicants.</li></ul><p>So be patient... and if you have not heard anything from us by mid to late February you can feel free to contact us and inquire about our current situation. We will try to post the names of the crewmembers who have accepted a position, by the end of February.</p><p>Good Luck</p>M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-69069563400819525432010-01-25T19:42:00.001-08:002010-01-25T19:50:31.735-08:00Short Haul UpdateThis is just an interum update on the short haul program at Zion National Park. Our enhancement proposal for short haul has been approved through the Park Superintendent. Next stop will be the Intermountain Regional Office where the Regional Director must sign the appropriate document. All indications is that this will occure... stay tuned!<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Side-note: I was made aware that the National Office (NPS) has made the decision to approve short haul for use in Wildland Fire (insertion/extraction). There are few if any details at this time. The Fire and Aviation Management Workshop in San Antonio during the first week of Feb should give some insight into the thoughts and application of this decision. </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;">So this is just a quick update... I would be looking for a post to follow the workshop in San Antonio happening next week. </span><br /><br />Cheers,<br />Zion HelitackM.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-73763393047759344042010-01-25T19:29:00.000-08:002010-01-25T19:42:09.391-08:00Last Call !!!January 26th, 2010...<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">Today is potentially your last chance!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"></span></strong><br /><span style="color:#000000;">We will be pulling our first certificate on January 27th... meaning that January 26th is the last day in which you may apply and be considered for our initial hiring. I have mentioned this in previous posts, however it warrants another mention. We do not typically have the need to pull any aditional "certs" following the first one. This means if you do not get your application in by close of business on January 26th, you may not receive a chance to be hired.</span><br /><br />Recommendation: Get Your Application In!<br /><br />For those of you who have applied already... We will be pulling our first "cert" on January 27th and it should be to us by the first week of February. This will begin the hiring process! We hope to have our initial group of individuals, selected by the middle of February. If you applied and have not heard from us by the close of the month, you can get in touch with us using the link on the right of this blog in order to inquire about your standings.<br /><br />Good luck to everyone! As we get closer, it now looks like we will have 3 seasonal GS-3/4 positions available on the crew.M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-83863228727307540212010-01-07T05:22:00.000-08:002010-01-07T05:59:59.716-08:001st Major Aviation Tragedy of 2010!Going through e-mails yesterday and came across an e-mail talking about what a wonderful job the Department of the Interior had done during the first quarter of the new fiscal year. The e-mail was talking about the accident free record that aviation had and what an accomplishment that was. I believe it was title "Congratulations! - on our way to a mishap free FY2010". The e-mail was sent out by John Mills, Aviation Safety Manager for the Department of the Interior, and stated the following;<br /><br /><em>Congratulations and well done on a mishap free December! But not only the month of December, the first quarter of FY2010 as well. Not since 2006 has the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">DOI</span> had a mishap free first quarter... Let's make FY10 a mishap-free year for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">DOI</span> aviation.</em><br /><br />It was a good way to start out the morning. In aviation, like other areas of the Government, we strive to avoid mishaps, incidents with potential, and especially injury. It often time seems like a losing battle, and it is easy to become <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">cynical about the issue of "no accidents". However, we never stop striving to reach this goal. No one ever leaves the house saying, "yep, today is the day to let my guard down... who knows maybe I'll have an accident". </span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">The first e-mail of the day showing praise for a job well done and giving encouragement that we can accomplish our goal of no mishaps, was quickly overshadowed with the news of a helicopter crash in Northern California.</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><em>A California Fish & Game Helicopter crashed in Madera County on the Sierra NF southwest of Yosemite earlier today... The company listed is one that our Calif. LE folks used this past summer. </em></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><em></em></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><em>The helicopter that crashed today near Redinger Lake was doing work for the state Department of the Fish and Game, Madera County sheriff's spokeswoman Erica Stuart said. Stuart confirmed that the U.S. Forest Service personnel are on scene, and that Madera County deputies are headed there. The Fresno County Sheriff's Office has offered assistance, she said.</em></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><em></em></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><em>Gary Schales, a pilot for the Department of Fish and Game, said the helicopter struck an electrical wire 300 feet above Redinger Lake and crashed. Three Department of Fish and Game employees aboard the helicopter were conducting deer surveys, Schales said.</em></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><em></em></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><em>John Baker, a Central District assistant chief for the department of Fish and Game, said the helicopter was owned by Landells Aviation, an air charter service based in Desert Hot Springs.</em></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><em></em></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><em>Southern California Edison spokesman Bill DeLaine said the helicopter made contact with power lines, but it wasn't clear if that caused the crash. The utility is looking into the extent of the damage, but the crash has not caused a major power outage, he said.</em></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><em></em></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">We have since learned that all 3 passengers and the pilot lost their lives during this incident. Although this particular flight was not under the control of the DOI, it is a grim reminder of just how quickly a promissing record of no mishaps can be squashed. It is never a good time to lose a loved one, but anything near a holiday seems to hit a little harder when revisiting thoughts of loved ones who are gone. It will undoubtedly be a difficult time of the year, for many years to come, as the surviving family members remember their lost loved ones. </span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Our hearts go out to the families... and our cry for vigilence in the persuit of an accident free year are strengthened. We encourage everyone to wake up each morning with a conscious thought about making it a safe day... be sure to clear your mind of other stresses and distractions prior to climbing on board that aircraft, make your mission the focus of what you are doing.</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Our Thoughts & Prayers</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">M.L.</span>M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-61978623418797963952009-12-04T11:31:00.001-08:002009-12-04T11:55:01.261-08:002010 Hiring!Well... it is finally here. I know it seems as though we are behind the curve, and truth be told we are just a little later than normal. If you are interested in applying for a seasonal position with Zion Helitack, you should follow the directions below to ensure you have an oportunity at employment.<br /><br />Zion Helitack will be looking at the potential for one GS-5 senior firefighter position, and 1-3 GS 3 or 4 firefighter positions. There is never a gaurantee that these positions will be available as we often offer returning crewmembers the opportunity to occupy the same position that had the year previous. What we can gaurantee you is that without applying you will not have the opportunity to be considered for employement, should we have positions open... so bottom line is this; Apply if you are interested... it doesn't committ you to anything other than a small amount of work to get your application in.<br /><br />To Apply:<br />go to - <a href="http://www.usajobs.gov/">www.usajobs.gov</a><br />under the keyword search enter - NPS-FIRE-2010-020<br />under the location search enter - Cedar City<br />Press Enter!<br /><br />The only position that should come up is the following announcement<br />NPS-FIRE-2010-020<br />Helitack Wildland Firefighter GS3/4/5 Seasonal<br /><br />Please read through the entire application prior to following the directions for application which are on the How To Apply tab.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>IMPORTANT: January 26,2010</strong> will be the cut off date for early consideration.<strong> </strong></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>Often times we will not pull another certificate following this early consideration, as we typically have enough interested candidates that no further consideration is necessary!</em></span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">So there you have it... the announcement is out! I highly recommend that you apply </span><span style="color:#000000;">early!</span><span style="color:#ff0000;"> (Prior to January 26,2010) </span><span style="color:#000000;">It is also recommended that if you have any questions concerning the job, you call the Helicopter Program Manager his number will be listed below...</span><br /><br />Again, there is no known position that will be available... however, the potential exists for a GS-5 senior firefighter and 1 to 3 additional GS 3/4 positions.<br /><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>IMPORTANT:</strong> If you are a previous employee of Zion Helitack and wish to return after a break in service (i.e. you did not fight fire for us during the 2009 season), you should apply! This ensures that we are aware of your desire to return to the crew... If you are a member of Zion Helitack that fought fire seasonally during the 2009 season, and you wish to gain a different level of employement (i.e. you were a GS-4 in 2009, but would like to be a GS-5 in 2010), then you <strong>MUST </strong>apply to this announcement again. We cannot give a promotion to you without proper competition... Call you supervisor with any questions regarding this post.</span><br /><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">We look forward to seeing a large number of applicants... so apply early and be thorough! </span><br /><br />Zion Helitack<br />Helicopter Program Manager<br />Michael Reid - 435-865-4640<br />or you may e-mail your questions to <a href="mailto:zionhelitack@live.com">zionhelitack@live.com</a><br /><br />Good Luck!M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-48190399000346022172009-11-16T14:00:00.000-08:002009-11-16T14:34:39.231-08:00Short-haul or RappelThere are many crews that have added valuable tools (skills) to supplement their capabilities as a helitack crew. Two tools that often carry a lot of hype are Rappel and Short-haul. Rappel is of course what you would imagine. It typically involves two rappelers and a spotter working out of a helicopter allowing for access to terrain and vegatation that would be difficult to land in.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404825291154965490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zs643tb5MEVkV56wsSmEYhFUj34ffqL2kyZjXzaLJiOwsNMdtsh2kzfB-rYx4pZ4lzFPRxPc4iYgdJO3UyUXPYZTDURqWo4MHrSV1_9bak3hr2KtF0bQuIkFiSzsEFRxvN2rh12iVZA/s400/20090722__local_helicopter_rappel_dea_300.jpg" /></div><div>Rappelers can decend from the helicopter at great speed from varying heights up to 250 feet above the ground. It takes a skilled pilot, and a lot of training for the crew to obtain this skill and remain proficient in its use. Many agencies within land management have excercised this practice. It is utilized primarily by firefighters that are looking to gain access to fires that are in very remote locations, typically wilderness.</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 140px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404825298531744178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjetnFugrazUmUWX4GxgM37ZTIsERPriqNtxncJlcmLGcTSwhpaPw383b3S5MGmRgm7PnIB4IbW6YhCg4yFN5NDsMEUNKCrSLr_CSTWcSWDDsDAeJZC4zhDrf84evnLZKcFDdPXgiUIWlM/s400/PHOTOS-090909sbRappel1_w_t160.jpg" /></div><div>Rappel requires that a pilot pull into a hover over a predetermined location. Upon inspection of the location, a spotter will drop ropes out of either side of the helicopter. Once the ropes have reached the ground and following a series of checks, the spotter will tell the rappelers to go to the skids. Once each rappeler has taken his/her position on the skids and all looks good to the spotter... the word is given to rappel. Both rappelers will then negotiate their way off of the skids and into a free slide rappel. Rappeling has an inherent risk associated with it... there are a lot of checks and training that takes place to ensure that no accidents occur, however despite every effort there is the occasional injury associated with rappeling. Until recently those injuries have typically been minor in nature, however this last year the first recorded death associated with rappeling occured.</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404825304073784722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uS-cw-xjnJfe2diw0U4bA2OFq955EHmTSlqX5UB7DbZIy9Gx5tAyINUG5nPLtkYBLZT8M8S8O7E38y8XUwUUx6v4jsI2PboAHnxxlj_sX7Eoze5yLUlP03azdINmFxOmI0tT38lNPm0/s400/rappel.bmp" /></div><div> </div><div>Short-haul is a practice that is primarily exercised by the National Park Service, and some state agencies. It has been utilized almost exclusively for Search and Rescue activities. The practice of Short-haul requires incredible skills by the pilot and a well trained group of individuals to perform the Short-haul. In Short-haul individual technitions are connected to the bottom of a long line and lifted from one location to be delivered to another location. It is primarily a life saving activity used for extracting injured individuals that require medical attention.</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404825307416416690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVVoMmsrfnFfQLc27RJvfLcpXtyUWGp7VuhGuBJbDWV_hved5moRYf8nYoGrq6v8qXfIcHOd4kdZfOS-ZdfkkJmKnmAcojx1-TH2huy44xXBJmNdx4s0ltwbTzcQIdcme33xG0OlkiSM/s400/ShortHaul_LYV_pic1.jpg" /><br />The practice of Short-haul is fairly well regulated, and requires the right skilled people with a very skilled pilot. There are no reported accidents or injuries using NPS helicopters to do Short-haul. Many years ago, there was a death during a Short-haul evolution when a military aircraft performed a similar style of extraction and inadvertantly drug a patient through the trees... killing the individual. So it is conservative to say that Short-haul is also a risky tool that we utilize.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlidjHBkAtqrBkK-cKQTm8Ck5XkHRphme1eRCIYBRSa-JA75NSXl3esEyNqYqBb2VnmlnA632Qr571lXWa17E4rVRlI0sRUJcez-vx_QmEGnah76gIaJ4IoEcfd5nSv3CHx-RGDP5FkA/s1600/Minor_Short_Haul.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 335px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404825295233251570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlidjHBkAtqrBkK-cKQTm8Ck5XkHRphme1eRCIYBRSa-JA75NSXl3esEyNqYqBb2VnmlnA632Qr571lXWa17E4rVRlI0sRUJcez-vx_QmEGnah76gIaJ4IoEcfd5nSv3CHx-RGDP5FkA/s400/Minor_Short_Haul.jpg" /></a><br />So this is the question that has come up recently... could Short-haul be utilized as a tool to insert firefighters the same as rappel. Are the risks greater than that of rappel? Could risk be mitigated if a crew was not utilizing both tools (i.e. rappel to insert firefighters, short-haul to rescue victims)? Recently Short-haul has been approved to insert law enforcement into locations for the seizing of marijuana plantations, could the same tool then be utilized for firefighters?</div><div> </div><div>We want to know what you think about this topic... on the right there is a survey that asks the question, feel free to give your opinion by answering that survey. However, I would suggest that you add a comment (whether you want to be annonymous or not) by clicking on the comment box at the bottom of this post... give us your two cents about the topic... particularly, do you think it is a viable alternative to rappel... and if so or if not, why?</div><div> </div><div>waiting to publish your comments,</div><div><br /><br /><br /> </div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-33732097992799928142009-10-31T19:08:00.000-07:002009-10-31T19:48:53.203-07:00Mill Flat FireThis season has been different... and the terminology attached to that difference was "Fire for Resource Benefit". Many members of the crew felt that we should have made up some T-shirts that prominently displayed "Fire for Resource Benefit Tour of '09"! <br /><br />Mill Flat was one of those fires... It started mid season and spent the better part of a month creeping around the wilderness of the Pine Valley Mountains. For the most part doing some good for the resource... This fire ended in controversy and pain! We do not pretend to understand nor do we pass judgement on the decisions made concerning the management of this fire. Our job is to be available to support those decisions made... early on the decision was made that this naturally occuring fire would be left to its own agenda in the wilderness. Mother Nature was in control, and fire managers took a sideline seat to monitor and observe what she had in store...<br /><br />This was the unfortunate result... a fire that quickly spread downhill out of the wilderness and into the town of New Harmony. Again, we do not wish to question or second guess what decisions were made... we want to focus on the role we took once the fire became unruley.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA98klc_k-zWfpNRdBFN2nasfRofNMBszQDTWHKmgm5q2meDKiqsc_xMhKVfdzvBusvU02RVHXSTNDbB8nJIC7cMP5J5esl9NHNaAU5ct3U2MhN6h4uz_gRhbzN-0yDC_6PdfEUbLrtqM/s1600-h/Mill+Flat+0900000.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398952780233899634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA98klc_k-zWfpNRdBFN2nasfRofNMBszQDTWHKmgm5q2meDKiqsc_xMhKVfdzvBusvU02RVHXSTNDbB8nJIC7cMP5J5esl9NHNaAU5ct3U2MhN6h4uz_gRhbzN-0yDC_6PdfEUbLrtqM/s400/Mill+Flat+0900000.JPG" /></a> The picture above is of a retardent drop from a heavy air-tanker... this photo was taken the morning after the big push into town. New Harmony was not out of the woods... a lot of damage had been at this point but the threat of further damage was still very real. At this point a Type I incident management team had been ordered and Zion Helitack was engaged in establishing a base of operations for the large amount of helicopters that were already on order.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsI6Lm6k8yxFBhPTUaK5w9N7mhep7l2riEKAvz0It29LeNdh0efqbLqEMKPiTIO03YR7_v90VbiwGKAQNFwCPtVKF7_3wtLA9CQEdkiI4tW_TlYcTJ4Eh2cSpP35O6nneI9d2a2tvxO8/s1600-h/Mill+Flat+0900003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398952774706663490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggsI6Lm6k8yxFBhPTUaK5w9N7mhep7l2riEKAvz0It29LeNdh0efqbLqEMKPiTIO03YR7_v90VbiwGKAQNFwCPtVKF7_3wtLA9CQEdkiI4tW_TlYcTJ4Eh2cSpP35O6nneI9d2a2tvxO8/s400/Mill+Flat+0900003.JPG" /></a> As you can see in this picture... the fire still had a lot of vegatation and topography that it was able to march across. It is difficult to see in this picture, so I will describe what was occuring. A wall of fire that was backing downslope, against the wind, allowing for dramatic uphill runs!</div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvTKkbeYA8ZsByNB26fkRVq6gIxLgIDnkRkTFhtA9gJiHAths_bgk0PKp56atBuQNN10ypQIAWwu5eutykFS5tmKP8Hu5TVcn4Kh0nmfIZGHO9Cn2pLTRAqqHEOSp36Chsfs3q6zxE8A/s1600-h/Mill+Flat+0900011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398952768903990274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvTKkbeYA8ZsByNB26fkRVq6gIxLgIDnkRkTFhtA9gJiHAths_bgk0PKp56atBuQNN10ypQIAWwu5eutykFS5tmKP8Hu5TVcn4Kh0nmfIZGHO9Cn2pLTRAqqHEOSp36Chsfs3q6zxE8A/s400/Mill+Flat+0900011.JPG" /></a> New Harmony was definately on the edge of the continued threat... several homes had already been lost, and many more homeowners were still nervous about the coming hours and days. The tension in town was thick! Many people had (and still do) emotional opinions concerning the decisions made about this fire, and the continued efforts of the fire fighters on the ground. We did our best to be understanding of the situation they were in, while trying to focus on the job we must do... The above picture was taken from town, and shows just how close the fire was and the altered veiw of the landscape that most will live with for many years.</div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ngZwe5D-WFBpJw-2I0jWDo9x3MrIwuVbgS0PufM9yrAh3KqavHAP85Q7flLlJgUbBlc95p3NPtGhD7q_BU8FzKGf_wFa53DP4rB1mGUsTddz7aBV2OyYRTU2ducFY_K4JFmFGUwzTpI/s1600-h/Mill+Flat+0900012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398952766458139970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ngZwe5D-WFBpJw-2I0jWDo9x3MrIwuVbgS0PufM9yrAh3KqavHAP85Q7flLlJgUbBlc95p3NPtGhD7q_BU8FzKGf_wFa53DP4rB1mGUsTddz7aBV2OyYRTU2ducFY_K4JFmFGUwzTpI/s400/Mill+Flat+0900012.JPG" /></a> On a positive note... a look to the East still holds a dramatic veiw of Kolob! It reminded us of the extreme oposites that Mother Nature can be... The gorgeous vista compared to the destructive power of a wildfire.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-l73uamL-2rrMHcDS21tsseXWb0AEB9yqWdaLROKJLwiUcd-kgyDIDURiKNPzYiZLW5C2fGlBuUDshqDH7PtpCGHgzAaTSDJZM-8mbfG8JQNY2czbx0F1k45keHCI6lfpbuGZGR0Nqg/s1600-h/Mill+Flat+0900017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398952128496131250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-l73uamL-2rrMHcDS21tsseXWb0AEB9yqWdaLROKJLwiUcd-kgyDIDURiKNPzYiZLW5C2fGlBuUDshqDH7PtpCGHgzAaTSDJZM-8mbfG8JQNY2czbx0F1k45keHCI6lfpbuGZGR0Nqg/s400/Mill+Flat+0900017.JPG" /></a><br />Back to our role... above, a picture of Zion Helitack crewmembers discussing the fire and their current roles. Hamm had been given the opportunity to work on the Color Country handcrew. She found us setting up a heliwell along her division and took the time to chat with Thayer and Damron about the events of the night prior.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YmSmiIGIvpZM3HgYYkynYpPDbBWbgrfstsuS9dkCTvbPkm5c1_OIM6lhUyEoDg_rAGUgGRMTo-Q4KIMT8VeRWjBhveS-yMdOSF-HTwoBqGuZSFPaBmKzNBu-LDwPL4bhETTZ7P1JCcI/s1600-h/Mill+Flat+0900019.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398952126504493714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YmSmiIGIvpZM3HgYYkynYpPDbBWbgrfstsuS9dkCTvbPkm5c1_OIM6lhUyEoDg_rAGUgGRMTo-Q4KIMT8VeRWjBhveS-yMdOSF-HTwoBqGuZSFPaBmKzNBu-LDwPL4bhETTZ7P1JCcI/s400/Mill+Flat+0900019.JPG" /></a> She was obviously having a good time... it is always good to have a change of pace. We all love what we do on Zion Helitack... however, getting the chance to play a different role in fire is a welcome change... and Hamm was soaking up every minute of it!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVa2jKvBKenHSPZIYg8_OUiEcw-a92mSRa7GPDuJkGZCgLmjIeV8vWlSO5ECDkxo-SF8Tf2Gxbt_k1Ffxp8fb6vWxoahMveOiEEkQ9FS81NFwbj1F7JykP64TMu2pgLs_4631S5DxYfWk/s1600-h/Mill+Flat+0900025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398952118570669170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVa2jKvBKenHSPZIYg8_OUiEcw-a92mSRa7GPDuJkGZCgLmjIeV8vWlSO5ECDkxo-SF8Tf2Gxbt_k1Ffxp8fb6vWxoahMveOiEEkQ9FS81NFwbj1F7JykP64TMu2pgLs_4631S5DxYfWk/s400/Mill+Flat+0900025.JPG" /></a> Initially a 6000 gallon pumpkin (foreground) was established for the engines that were engaged in structure protection. We were asked to switch gears and establish a water source for the large helicopter show that had already engaged the fire. So we set up this 15,000 gallon Heliwell (transported to us from McCall Idaho)...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_xHS1pwjE3REHrASJqE8jDmtQc6AeHZP6kiKFy3EuLUFdIA0aKLvAWuQmy1u46VpkBGufAL60LoR7HAu1GePIK2exATSHv01hIyQxGihD036Jhqs2MkIAtdBmt2so-OUpUYv16eRa5o/s1600-h/Mill+Flat+0900028.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398952109020533186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_xHS1pwjE3REHrASJqE8jDmtQc6AeHZP6kiKFy3EuLUFdIA0aKLvAWuQmy1u46VpkBGufAL60LoR7HAu1GePIK2exATSHv01hIyQxGihD036Jhqs2MkIAtdBmt2so-OUpUYv16eRa5o/s400/Mill+Flat+0900028.JPG" /></a> We had set up two Heliwells, both 15,000 gallon! This one was established a little further away from the fire in the foreseeable chance that the fire would smoke in the other water sources. We did a lot of work to ensure that the air show would not be slowed due to a lack of water. These large Heliwells are a monster to put together... but they are so valuable when you have large heavy helicopters looking for water. This one was brought to us from Richfield Utah.<br /><div> </div><div>We spent a lot of time supporting the Mill Flat fire... from initial recons when it was still considered a fire doing good for the wilderness to establishing multiple helibases to run the large air show that would fight the fire out of control to the transport of weather stations up the hill that will monitor rain fall and the potential for flooding... it was a long duration fire! A lot of lessons were learned from this fire... some of which were very upsetting to the community and the local land managers... the most important lesson, which seems to be one that is learned over and over again, is that Mother Nature is difficult to predict and even harder to control!</div><div> </div><div>cheers,</div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-10280738214934219472009-09-19T18:47:00.000-07:002009-09-19T19:23:53.291-07:00Our role in Park Management!Below are a few random yet connected pictures of the various ways that Zion Helitack plays a role in the management of Zion National Park. On occassion we are asked what we do for the Park, below are a few pictures showing a couple of the things we do. The pictures weren't really chosen for their great example of the job we do... but more for the beautiful scenery! Enjoy...<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESWpA3fL-sQHWOJhbh0nGjhlUrJ8wEYE5p6BB5vWNq6IaruNHXFI7JWwAbEtoWywdRvcgu-o5lAkyBd0DZMgQC6Wo2pg9_iheI_ajtI0YBi46fCsCeMfEAhZSrjBe0K6r-UjVbfAyaFU/s1600-h/SAR003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383362713431018866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESWpA3fL-sQHWOJhbh0nGjhlUrJ8wEYE5p6BB5vWNq6IaruNHXFI7JWwAbEtoWywdRvcgu-o5lAkyBd0DZMgQC6Wo2pg9_iheI_ajtI0YBi46fCsCeMfEAhZSrjBe0K6r-UjVbfAyaFU/s400/SAR003.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#cc0000;">The picture above is of Ben Suerig and Craig Thexton (Fire & L.E.) This was during the Cliffs Fire when we were mobilized to support evacuation of LaVerkin Canyon. It was in the general direction that the fire was heading and the Ranger staff knew of several back-country permits that would place people in harms way... we landing in the canyon in order to deliver these two SAR individuals, that they might have a head start in finding and evacuating those in the canyon.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlr_wAgQR0ut4CNCNALzNUSxlCWuog48DMUb5Bca-5Oy7raetyoPjTE6z63deuyZEsK7WejF0sfb-hT0_ATpkAz2Pg4nxZgpYgcEDAg8f9DkrtjY5qf9QseyhLm-pmgwpi_PcrnDHz2U/s1600-h/SAR004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383362706142481714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlr_wAgQR0ut4CNCNALzNUSxlCWuog48DMUb5Bca-5Oy7raetyoPjTE6z63deuyZEsK7WejF0sfb-hT0_ATpkAz2Pg4nxZgpYgcEDAg8f9DkrtjY5qf9QseyhLm-pmgwpi_PcrnDHz2U/s400/SAR004.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">This picture is a beautiful aerial veiw of Angels Landing, one of the most visited places in the Park. Unfortunately this photo (as were some of the others on this blog) was taken when we responded to the Park that we might help in an investigation and body recovery of a woman that fell from the edge of the Angels Landing trail.</span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xJARNHnz34bf8Bc6eDRHbcbDtO15zrNtyafsb1DMnmp68d18qBZWw6nignlLK5zh8Zk_ZRjd5UnGD_POhk42cQiVT9TG9p0R_Zqv4KQefUxx5topj5Nbpf2L8iVQmIPa4HDa0cgejmA/s1600-h/SAR002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383362689926956930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xJARNHnz34bf8Bc6eDRHbcbDtO15zrNtyafsb1DMnmp68d18qBZWw6nignlLK5zh8Zk_ZRjd5UnGD_POhk42cQiVT9TG9p0R_Zqv4KQefUxx5topj5Nbpf2L8iVQmIPa4HDa0cgejmA/s400/SAR002.JPG" /></a><span style="color:#cc0000;">This photo shows just how sheer the rock is from top to bottom... an awe-inspiring sight!</span></div><div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswWy5x4yDQ4zNEozCWZg0jUToN-lCx4701Nnd76LhP5Na1kxPGLh0PdOQXqh1AngrrlldPbA1TLWMiiSZ9qIxcdxwznRizWkI1ZhCDLviw6f_83yPocZWF6BQOy7oCKTgUowxhk2uzCE/s1600-h/SAR001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383362681533818370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswWy5x4yDQ4zNEozCWZg0jUToN-lCx4701Nnd76LhP5Na1kxPGLh0PdOQXqh1AngrrlldPbA1TLWMiiSZ9qIxcdxwznRizWkI1ZhCDLviw6f_83yPocZWF6BQOy7oCKTgUowxhk2uzCE/s400/SAR001.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#cc0000;">You can see several Rangers on the SAR (Search and Rescue) team standing on the trail. It gives a level of perspective to the steep and rugged country that makes up most of the main canyon. Again this photo is of the Angels Landing trail.</span></div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0OeLECVUuXw-Me2VtZ7zJ5BWdOHPYAVadEdVlzGB7A1JkZBhQ45NnJjGc_ilb4807tXy4GkWX1x6HKinHNOLgbL-79dY8cFvU9Q5RJUI04wLE-3QrwpcjinrMs8NJUyZzReK5vBWh7k/s1600-h/ZION004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383361393892811266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0OeLECVUuXw-Me2VtZ7zJ5BWdOHPYAVadEdVlzGB7A1JkZBhQ45NnJjGc_ilb4807tXy4GkWX1x6HKinHNOLgbL-79dY8cFvU9Q5RJUI04wLE-3QrwpcjinrMs8NJUyZzReK5vBWh7k/s400/ZION004.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">It is a small part of this photo... but hopefully it gives you the idea of what we see as we enter the park in search of a fire. The small smoke on the rim of the canyon is about 2 acres in size... for those that don't speak the language of "firefighter", an acre is approximately the size of a football field. We are still a few miles away from the smoke in this picture.</span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPWql8SNm4uXxHYMxgeqHDZ6WCerkCP5IpZAkRYm0-6ArB6zOszi2UmrxIVeQIVJkSCDb1Pai26t1KAcqmG73Om59WNRNsIg2F994rycG3nO6BxieIcC1x_wiH4kFH69Hl4yW1z5Co0g/s1600-h/ZION003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383361383134812914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPWql8SNm4uXxHYMxgeqHDZ6WCerkCP5IpZAkRYm0-6ArB6zOszi2UmrxIVeQIVJkSCDb1Pai26t1KAcqmG73Om59WNRNsIg2F994rycG3nO6BxieIcC1x_wiH4kFH69Hl4yW1z5Co0g/s400/ZION003.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#cc0000;">I love this photo... it really shows a great aerial view of Zion National Park. To truely respect and understand the rugged and unforgiving landscape that is Zion, you must see it from a vantage point much like this. It's a wonder why they call Southern Utah... Color Country!</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqrUbK7JL64urRgPs5TF9vp__vDrFfIPqzXTQE4DqV9W1tT96LRcNRDDVhgiJnfkdBkRUX_8rzpoydNxnITEijDqt55pZJ17u5B0xDJkoiefxf82NPI_NswKQDtsdLrMKF6M5fmRQlVg/s1600-h/ZION002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383361371824872082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqrUbK7JL64urRgPs5TF9vp__vDrFfIPqzXTQE4DqV9W1tT96LRcNRDDVhgiJnfkdBkRUX_8rzpoydNxnITEijDqt55pZJ17u5B0xDJkoiefxf82NPI_NswKQDtsdLrMKF6M5fmRQlVg/s400/ZION002.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#cc0000;">Again, another view of the lanscape which makes up Zion National Park. In this photo you can see the West Rim trail on the left side of the photo. On the right side of the photo you can almost see the canyons that lead to the Subway, which is another very popular trail in the park. It is landscape like this that makes having a helicopter not only a usefull tool, but at times a necessary tool.</span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tvMydLECrFr484eZaWu6InDzRYoxUgU4swdI1c6AoQaOY5R12FOwph3W6z4hslt2GrPO1iu_UCUuofGP5VSFwWbyH6GF65cj-9Y_NThuWPv3GturY41CQaUjVZP0nzqkr24VUxb4XcI/s1600-h/ZION001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383361362113965330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tvMydLECrFr484eZaWu6InDzRYoxUgU4swdI1c6AoQaOY5R12FOwph3W6z4hslt2GrPO1iu_UCUuofGP5VSFwWbyH6GF65cj-9Y_NThuWPv3GturY41CQaUjVZP0nzqkr24VUxb4XcI/s400/ZION001.JPG" /></a> <span style="color:#cc0000;">I threw in this last photo... to help those whom ask why so many people tragically lose their lives due to falls in the Park. Again in this photo you see the spure ridge that leads up to Angels Landing. The pullout that you can see at the bottom of the picture is Big Bend. You can see the vehicles parked their... they establish a great scale for reference. Each year we seem to have at least one fatality on this climb. It is unfortunate, but it is well signed and people are warned that it is not an easy trail. A single moment of inatentive hiking can lead to a very unforgiving fall.</span></div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div> </div><div><div><span style="color:#000000;">So there you have it... we provide several services for Zion National Park. Primarily we are a delivery method for those that need to navigate this very rough terrain. Stay tuned for the next update where we will share many pictures of the various fires and projects that we assisted in during the 2009 season.</span></div><div> </div><div>cheers,</div><div>M.L.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-61065839084040904082009-09-08T19:37:00.001-07:002009-09-08T19:43:16.222-07:00New PostI know that it has been a long while since the last update. A lot has occured! When things slow down, it is our intention to update the blog with pictures and stories. Until then, we will continue to ramp down for the season...<br /><br />We completed the Greenville Bench RX<br />We spent time in Central Utah at the Sawmill Canyon Fire<br />We came home to Cedar only to witness the Mill Flat Fire come off the hill into the town of New Harmony... tragic<br />We have spent the past 12 days going from a managed Mill Flat Fire for Resource Benefit... to a Type III team... to a Type I team... now back to a Type III team... we are hoping to assist in putting the final nail on the coffin of the Mill Flat Fire, over the next few days.<br /><br />We are 16 days from the end of the contract with Hillsboro... potentially 16 days from the closeout of the season for us... It has been a slow, and yet somehow very long season!<br /><br />Cheers,<br />M.L.M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-32021801123246242692009-08-10T20:44:00.000-07:002009-08-10T20:56:47.078-07:00Deepest SympothiesSorry no pictures this time around... just a quick mention and a heartfelt thought! Yesterday (Sunday the 9th) we responded to the park to assist in a Search and Recovery. A wife and mother fell unexpectedly to her death on the Angel's Landing trail. It was a rough day for the recovery team, overshadowed only by the thoughts of a husband and children that witnessed the event. I took several crewmembers in to assist with the carry-out... sombering event.<br /><br />I would like to state that myself and the crew hurt for the family left behind. They have been in our thoughts and prayers!<br /><br />It reminds me that life is fleeting... and it doesn't take a dangerous job, or a desire for adrenaline filled activities in order for a life to be taken unexpectedly. Simply enjoying life can sometimes sneak up on you and rob away the moments you thought would last. Please, take the time to share your feelings with those you care about... and don't spend your days angered by the little things that we can't control, rather spend time enjoying the little things that make you smile!<br /><br />Live Life!!! Make a memory... and most important, Smile!<br /><br />Deepest Sympothies...<br />M.L.M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-5150622612207352232009-08-06T19:57:00.000-07:002009-08-06T20:41:23.849-07:00It's what we do...In our line of work (Helitack) there are times that we stay incredibly busy, barely able to keep ahead of the next request... and there are times that we must entertain ourselves, for fear of going insane from the mundane work that is our job. I have engaged in countless discussions in which people have thrown out the cliche joke "L.C.E.S. = Locate Cooler Establish Shade". Truely few people that have spent any time on an exclusive use initial attack helicopter crew, would argue that those men and women stuck on the Helibase wouldn't rather be up on the hill fighting the fire! But someone must support the aviation operations that have become essential in fighting fires...<br /><br />That being said... as a fire heads into the mop-up stage, the days get very long at Helibase. Now, I can't divulge the names... and I dare not speak of the program... primarily out of respect! However, I couldn't resist sharing with you the way in which some crews pass the time when Helibase operations become slow...<br /><br />This particular crew is making a music video, in which an unnamed... unidentified crewmember dances to the music while typical helitack operations occur in the background. We all had a really good laugh watching these helitack producers strut their stuff in front of the "skycrane" as it dipped out of the lake...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIa7Ar99VtiQAtf4kVYNuTSIc-Ogjf9PnC0Zl6Ph6bodaxGq9vryVlJEPwLfosQ7CiBemTNQ4Po7fqklq8iHaETnQlMT7EMgdo3BNXvWazYHEy3BnhXRbQzx68JhT8Bwe6_rm_rwGgvs/s1600-h/color+country+09_+036.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367051483750478050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJIa7Ar99VtiQAtf4kVYNuTSIc-Ogjf9PnC0Zl6Ph6bodaxGq9vryVlJEPwLfosQ7CiBemTNQ4Po7fqklq8iHaETnQlMT7EMgdo3BNXvWazYHEy3BnhXRbQzx68JhT8Bwe6_rm_rwGgvs/s400/color+country+09_+036.jpg" /></a> I am aware that those who are familiar with this crew will recognize them immediately... but then anyone who has spent time around this particular crew knows that this ongoing production is taking place... to the fear of their supervisor, it will most likely end up on YouTube...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrii1jmIyffmiFWZYZcILMF6KSdMCgYM8naOz1Jo4Jq4NoGjXHp_r1gWjUgHS29LQFAsx-TG-twKMZZP7z7Goggp107EC3ewciv306VYp2Cy7vlxt287ow_T2p_KCQXrDaSg845I42Zf4/s1600-h/color+country+09_+033.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367051475408688770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrii1jmIyffmiFWZYZcILMF6KSdMCgYM8naOz1Jo4Jq4NoGjXHp_r1gWjUgHS29LQFAsx-TG-twKMZZP7z7Goggp107EC3ewciv306VYp2Cy7vlxt287ow_T2p_KCQXrDaSg845I42Zf4/s400/color+country+09_+033.jpg" /></a><br />If you would like to check out some more super funny videos created by super bored helitack crews... try visiting YouTube.com and searching Helitack Videos.</div><div> </div><div>Until the next post... keep busy!<br /><div></div></div>M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-22600200038248580862009-06-27T12:59:00.000-07:002009-06-27T13:34:10.843-07:00Managed Burn in Monticello/Moab<div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352100478853208450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCluXSaCRw_evKVNXkjbQ9RSPoOGwIEnyydU602xmBoB08FO6111FjSqqWQewns8g3GtDzCTIX8SlKrshEZaaV47udE97oj7s7SlhmTq6Y9Wh_Y6g2XueXzu8ZrhkgihVxTfNG4b84Xw/s400/IMG_3594.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>The Monticello Burn required two helicopters. We utilized the Spec 2000 torches... this is saying a lot, as it has been 10 + years of modification to reach the successful use of these torches that we had. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352100482784891170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuetqKRfQ-GNivsQvMKl79_sdpBu9FqsY0GjJd2IM7YznD5K7fn7JntWEGDaJKJf2wzyoXe3sbKIz_MfDQAUnaotdoPxs-nCzVeqV44bIRRGKq2_8fAyFYL7tpVX7pX8p77_7PokaUUA/s400/IMG_3610.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>We did a fair amount of recertification and training on day one... The picture above shows a trainee from Moab, filling the torch. The helicopters were coming in for a refill at a rate of one per every 6-8 minutes... it kept us hopping!</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352100486442467378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0d7z4KV3Mgny2jJ7U8sfUWW13pv2i6rWKSSTQkpYIEl_pZmtWLc3R07IDHzJ05eeHLjjmJK2WMvomN_QeDTageu4KgCwduYALYUyg66Pn2NcpePZLlId65S7MEclB9P0ZfdcnB6r3flA/s400/IMG_3620.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>Hamm doesn't always like the many pictures taken of her... but she is always a good sport! This was a great shot of her giving me the, "not another Damn picture" look!</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352100485787478754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3B3CPv9vVyf8Dn6g5JK4QrGLMSBruHcKqJj7_E67Q3S0fiqfXh8WWYOYC6uwZCA_tPK9efhlNVOhV-wctDHhB1QdxG6lTQek9Wcs0tZsJ6pTeccJgcAzAG4yRMxRf6ahAY08mZranOU/s400/IMG_3623.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>I love this picture... (above)... we have to placard the area where we vent the fuel fumes with a "no smoking" sign. It just so happens that the area overlooked the burn...</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352100497247683266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXYnHNJynyy7h-NkHCojqAIRq6EbCLLBL1oiUZiHAeTIyrd5IsZFz-mMd7HOSnE1loLbySwgDlxIhsBMZ4bWj-X9yUg7_XQOYlpx5pI2q1eUHZmHRVwpbC11CeFSwsODNJ1CrOTM9zEk/s400/IMG_3631.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>The parking tender awaiting the helicopter to land... so we could then move in and fill the torch!</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352101148588564066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXEEMVvmTqrBAw-KBjK1BKioCg2amW7L8sisH7AJZoy1paNY2jd_w5PlzCPEc35xviOEj5gRE6RAdJSPvWl9VgVCdxFzNnU1E4U1jn_oCSurB_lWhQbmi2j_0tIvXgQg1HE1PhC_-6Yc/s400/IMG_3644.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>Day Two... took us to Moab! Where we again utilized the Helitorch to light up some country. The second day was a little less complicated with only a fraction of the people and a single helicopter. The pilot struggled in the beginning to avoid tipping the torch... and his flight profile was a little choppy at first, but he kept it in the air and only got better as the day progressed.</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352101156576976514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCd2A9rTsmGYlDMjne74lMNUEE8mC_ic9cf6dMrKUqNzonX54m-vVv8zMCDASDKYzQAdZ7XTJNIcXwwl9HrJ2oQeUBE_xH7QR-vyW04rf2N60exdoYG9dZdpRwoXq0nO0558SxSHmkZg/s400/IMG_3657.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div><br />I am not sure what Clint is describing here... but I thought his cotton shirt was fashionable and I couldn't resist the picture. Coveralls as a MixMaster are very hot... and in the Moab sun it was everyone's desire to avoid wearing them... try finding a long sleeve cotton shirt in Moab... people give you a weird look, to say the least. Thus the fashionable duds...</div><div><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352101154087734962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIM_2Zhur_W5_354sUp8ORMsXBQi-du9Kl4bpbMMtgqM5Dugqs5KDcbdC0dte9xeiv3jl9ACkie9i1DXQ4bq7JV8GhziFNGf-ZPvgEWA_bsgVxlsjxq2UKZeP1SWesoRqegoIAhCc3HQ/s400/IMG_3650.jpg" /></div><div> </div><div>Iceman in the "Bannana Coveralls"... watching the handy work. It is always a good day when we can see the fruits of our efforts... Day 2 was definately more laid back than day 1....</div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352101163826788562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqstALhTMdzW0-e1lQCkI0LfoOLLTDNxvohOJdZ8ybUafo4VnTeGR_v1iW07ZrlDdyn0aN2vM3oSoF5t7Q9rI-WSHyvi2rhE6JlvGB_LgDM5OgQeWsBba4-JC5Xc8fJU9nYMxUgT0z0lo/s400/IMG_3660.jpg" /><br /><div> This final picture sums up our three day trip... Linda took a moment to sit down, relax, and observe the show... this is something that doesn't happen often for the mixing crews on a Helitorch Helibase. It was a successful trip... we accomplished most of what was expected. I am excited for our next oportunity to support a managed burn via Helitorch... next time perhaps the whole crew can be there and our pilot can enjoy in some of the fun!</div><div> </div><div>Cheers,</div><div><br /><br /> </div><div></div></div>M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-48813973952541918182009-06-20T13:52:00.000-07:002009-06-20T14:14:50.951-07:00'Bout Time!<div>It has been a while since our last post... Crew training is done! We went through Cargo Let Down recurrency, no issues. We have hosted our first group of detailers, and although we did not get any fires we spent a lot of time training... the two detailers who left this last week felt that the time spent on the crew was beneficial even though there wasn't any fires.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We accomplished a two day repeater project. Flying radio techs and equipment to the top of West Temple and Timber Top mountains. West Temple has a beautiful view of the main canyon in Zion, and is one of the highest points in Zion National Park. It is an isolated platuea on top of another platuea. It is possible to climb... however, few have the skill or time to do so. We choose to utilize the helicopter as an elevator to the top. Timber Top is one of the highest points overlooking Kolob. It is rather remote also... again, the helicopter makes sense!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Tomorrow, some of the crew will leave with the boss for Monticello Utah. The Manti-Lasal N.F. has a Prescribed Burn that will require Helitorch as the lighting method. We will be sure to update the blog next week upon the crews return... they have been instructed to take lots of pictures. This particular burn requires two helicopters, and a lot of Torch qualified people to make it all happen... our fingers are crossed that things will go well. Stay tuned for updates on this.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Outside of that... we have began a project cutting on a control line for the Pocket Mesa RX that we will do later this fall. The main canyon is providing most of the labor for the 3-4 miles of line that must be cut, however we have chipped in by sending 2-4 people each day for the past 2 or 3 days. It gets crew off of the base and helps with keeping sane...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>speaking of sanity... it is slow! The season that is... the season is slow to begin! We have received a fair amount of moisture, but more than that the tempuratures have been cool and most days are overcast. There have been several small single tree fires on the district, but nothing they require our help to control. So it has been many long days at the yard for the helitack crew. Most projects are complete and finding things to keep us occupied and out of trouble are becoming harder and harder to find. We have instigated the 1600 ice cream social... all are welcome to join. I am not sure this is totally working... as Thea took on a challenge the other day at the social that tells us all we still have too much time on our hands. She deserves massive props for getting down 20 ice cream sandwiches in 20 minutes and keeping them down for another 10 minutes... she obtained a fair amount of cash, dinner, and a bottle of her choice for torturing herself like that. Mad Props!!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The following picture sums up our days... we are hoping that the rainbow over the base is a sign of good things to come! Everyone should keep there fingers crossed for a little more fire activity. If not here in Color Country, than somewhere in the Nation that might call for some help. </div><div> </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349521031154041618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneKyuh_jCaazGnxFOBN0EBUyBWDlfNgJvroMKpHAqsp_H0Ge-ru4G1Nlpn6u_P9LmotCNVGeRvBeW297-9mvutabEdmWUvbJn0z4VxPgjUVXrQN7EqdcMyjcSxrkcF2JvZnduUD4TytM/s400/IMG_3545.JPG" /></div><div></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>"Have helicopter... will travel!"</strong></div><br /><div></div>M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-25053933520286972322009-05-24T11:10:00.001-07:002009-05-24T11:55:20.692-07:00Zion Grass RXOn short notice, Helitack was invited down to the park in order to support the annual grass burn. I am pretty sure that most of the crew was glad to be free of the training for an afternoon, as we loaded the trucks to head South.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQiZz4iDGjokm1Jn0iK_ay6g_0Fy81bSTxL9tuCaZH37h6wmNOYsJAGRD9sxjUPw5iG7otTNmhuWJIGnHOyKEnm1XkRH4jhHkYMvpD_WGo13ZV2kqtoBm0E9fzs8S_cfRTVVexTb17Rc/s1600-h/IMG_3463.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQiZz4iDGjokm1Jn0iK_ay6g_0Fy81bSTxL9tuCaZH37h6wmNOYsJAGRD9sxjUPw5iG7otTNmhuWJIGnHOyKEnm1XkRH4jhHkYMvpD_WGo13ZV2kqtoBm0E9fzs8S_cfRTVVexTb17Rc/s400/IMG_3463.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339455120046997378" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The backdrop for the grass burns was spectacular. It seemed as though the number of people on the burn was a little excessive for some of the units, but it paid to have the additional hands on other larger units we burned during the day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGR33DNK6hXZHC-UvTh3vEwUmwGC081L1g9YHlLU0fcv_QdsSlgutehG8QLMNyfykKBLU27xDzhqfQl4suPaeKoGByi_Ro01yEYP3dtlyfxymepvSOrz0E-M9b4adndF7HU0Vd3ibTM9s/s1600-h/IMG_3465.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGR33DNK6hXZHC-UvTh3vEwUmwGC081L1g9YHlLU0fcv_QdsSlgutehG8QLMNyfykKBLU27xDzhqfQl4suPaeKoGByi_Ro01yEYP3dtlyfxymepvSOrz0E-M9b4adndF7HU0Vd3ibTM9s/s400/IMG_3465.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339455118836340466" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFiiAjqH7iL3VdSkCwapHGGkaZK2923-FV6br4P0I6851gQlIKy7siOrrjjIVvjyVyc2yoyxp31KbGD6hUaR-pEOZpUQ_xiFp-EYYtgW7Dvy6krZTcOqVLf5VVfrAl0kWC4NB22wG5oM/s1600-h/IMG_3476.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFiiAjqH7iL3VdSkCwapHGGkaZK2923-FV6br4P0I6851gQlIKy7siOrrjjIVvjyVyc2yoyxp31KbGD6hUaR-pEOZpUQ_xiFp-EYYtgW7Dvy6krZTcOqVLf5VVfrAl0kWC4NB22wG5oM/s320/IMG_3476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339457919021880002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Despite the lack of fast paced action, which usually comes with the suppression side of firefighting, the crew was enjoying the time out in the field doing something that resembles what they signed up to do... Thea had a hard time wiping the smile off of her face!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Most of the crew spent some time on the torch... a good refresher. No one likes the smell of a grass burn, the smoke stinks and burns the eye's and nose in a very noticeable way. It was good to stand in the smoke and break in the lungs for this 2009 season!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIPPuaRNnvuYb_xoD9CXxnel7uiyoTGHT_DxQr44RRf3cfKW2YIO-eFYhtOkvelkS3g_1R7HGCp5l5az1H9YlGMU7CZ95hfT2v_M6uXj6IyZ0mHBvhp6GkHFF3uFo0h1sDdYLV4wuFik/s1600-h/IMG_3471.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIPPuaRNnvuYb_xoD9CXxnel7uiyoTGHT_DxQr44RRf3cfKW2YIO-eFYhtOkvelkS3g_1R7HGCp5l5az1H9YlGMU7CZ95hfT2v_M6uXj6IyZ0mHBvhp6GkHFF3uFo0h1sDdYLV4wuFik/s400/IMG_3471.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339457694929769890" border="0" /></a>Just a little perspective on the beautiful grandier of Zion National Park... the picture below shows several members of the crew standing below the stone of Weeping Rock. You can't beet this... we get paid to do this stuff!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ_N77UxuVpAg7330ydVJb_1F0qnui4f3fDQHQ_r90xvFX-MgFolGibFdlsec0uLEOxaAH7tvJmbO2AXeHjmDZ-pFc3gul-QKnRLobA6Bvqx4xTv0NQuWml0wjXHoYXV_o5PkrsZv9qg/s1600-h/IMG_3484.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRZ_N77UxuVpAg7330ydVJb_1F0qnui4f3fDQHQ_r90xvFX-MgFolGibFdlsec0uLEOxaAH7tvJmbO2AXeHjmDZ-pFc3gul-QKnRLobA6Bvqx4xTv0NQuWml0wjXHoYXV_o5PkrsZv9qg/s400/IMG_3484.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339457697704795842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VmpO_F0Yq-614tChEJQTa6MFQSrwrHkQyujiIRbAUwQPkuI_JoeWDeCe2j19naXD1-mvFzH_OxKOqqwQH33ZP9jmUEwMassHeuJliYpQcS82vYEplB0jbJH1IWBut1jlAI-x-Y0jUTY/s1600-h/IMG_3473.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VmpO_F0Yq-614tChEJQTa6MFQSrwrHkQyujiIRbAUwQPkuI_JoeWDeCe2j19naXD1-mvFzH_OxKOqqwQH33ZP9jmUEwMassHeuJliYpQcS82vYEplB0jbJH1IWBut1jlAI-x-Y0jUTY/s320/IMG_3473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339457037707176178" border="0" /></a>I'm sure that Thayer (Senior Lead) is sick of the photo sessions. The look on his face seems to say that once again he is wishing that the camera hadn't found his mug... The crew always seems to like the end of the year when we go through the pictures of the season... I'm sure Thayer will forgive the impromptu photograph.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhsfQcEmXaET2_XpPIsNN-vuNs7tyxJxp5B3nk7ZJlCC_qVznwOIds6jw5dLLCqou7QQ5GiXijo74R4NuroCnjSpLWXKwE3LQH2ptSWhGT9ambYDJZ3RYTb4JBF74RJRA4fl-XoAJHTk/s1600-h/IMG_3468.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhsfQcEmXaET2_XpPIsNN-vuNs7tyxJxp5B3nk7ZJlCC_qVznwOIds6jw5dLLCqou7QQ5GiXijo74R4NuroCnjSpLWXKwE3LQH2ptSWhGT9ambYDJZ3RYTb4JBF74RJRA4fl-XoAJHTk/s320/IMG_3468.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339457035913656210" border="0" /></a><br />Suerig (Lead Crewmember) enjoyed a moment of contemplation. Reality is... he too knows the camera is on him, and chooses to act as if he doesn't know he is being photographed. Both Leads enjoyed the opportunity to observe the crew and put into practice a few of the things that we have been training on for the past 10 days.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It was a great day... we enjoyed the work, the veiws, and each other! I think we are ready for the season... helicopter arrives on Monday and is on contract by Thursday of next week... Here we go!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1vU7W7c_eCXcLjrYHOT0Gh96hpiNvzG5BF7rJg137SjFgQw8SNqdNo_d57VuewPeM7-FrBhbzYOqEbpKbRijIZsSAC3ZEDLAjiyCGsmyHT4ZeOfFFiHCTBfZOoeqs08lDAEoIy-6-vA/s1600-h/IMG_3493.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE1vU7W7c_eCXcLjrYHOT0Gh96hpiNvzG5BF7rJg137SjFgQw8SNqdNo_d57VuewPeM7-FrBhbzYOqEbpKbRijIZsSAC3ZEDLAjiyCGsmyHT4ZeOfFFiHCTBfZOoeqs08lDAEoIy-6-vA/s400/IMG_3493.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339463261899302946" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5s3WF2V8ICzVq4rHi_rDfw0LnLIB0ZBycWdCgeY0zkyo1momli8Cw4VXtLPGiUf1ZG6SbfQE36AqFnYKuex_2grRomJbGgk8dvdpLtpOXqH-FAvvkcgTMdvHB2B4imcgjTdzzDlT5Js/s1600-h/IMG_3490.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5s3WF2V8ICzVq4rHi_rDfw0LnLIB0ZBycWdCgeY0zkyo1momli8Cw4VXtLPGiUf1ZG6SbfQE36AqFnYKuex_2grRomJbGgk8dvdpLtpOXqH-FAvvkcgTMdvHB2B4imcgjTdzzDlT5Js/s400/IMG_3490.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339463259207761330" border="0" /></a><br />Tom Green (Zion Engine Crew)... capped off the day with the ultimate pose of satisfaction. He is sporting the always fashionable weed eater... I am of the opinion that he enjoyed using that weed eater a little too much! Forget burning the grass... just set Tom loose with that machine and watch the progress made in mowing down the cheat grass! I appreciate Tom and his attitude towards having fun... he puts a smile on my face every time I'm around him.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP-0h2dk7CMeI3HW8gVzDtyPDDrbEDIOmLFnDYTq8OBe4gAHK0oQsPB1Qijuoq2tf-k_dDksLLsTcayYwNXGhMHFtegDXLUX6XYaBaGxhPwVeOr_kvQ_2rEK429TBUmSZimXOU3XAd2Q/s1600-h/IMG_3496.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP-0h2dk7CMeI3HW8gVzDtyPDDrbEDIOmLFnDYTq8OBe4gAHK0oQsPB1Qijuoq2tf-k_dDksLLsTcayYwNXGhMHFtegDXLUX6XYaBaGxhPwVeOr_kvQ_2rEK429TBUmSZimXOU3XAd2Q/s400/IMG_3496.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339463262505237938" border="0" /></a>Tom will be one of our first detailers to join the crew for a two week period this season... we look forward to him running with the crew for a couple of weeks!M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1537855975899634354.post-2463160243774477322009-05-24T10:01:00.000-07:002009-05-24T10:57:34.212-07:00Week 2... More Training!Week two of train-up was absolutely packed. We had the final member of the crew join our team. Thea arrived on Monday, and we introduced her to the park with the Fire Orientation Meeting and Bar-B-Que down at the park.<br /><br />Tuesday, we did our fire refresher which included the Fire Shelter drill. Here are a couple of pictures of the crew during the Fire Shelter drill.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioq14gqkZ25zZ5WCOutuAEjtzX-FvS4YCtMHGtcvaL2hbA90Mb0xKhZWYNrQyJ9zXifSNarzIBPLn7u6MSJHq3oMZTj0jvygAniPtQgAzjLOq-iXO6KhraQn6oy_vm26zQisMEWsCbn0g/s1600-h/IMG_3443.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioq14gqkZ25zZ5WCOutuAEjtzX-FvS4YCtMHGtcvaL2hbA90Mb0xKhZWYNrQyJ9zXifSNarzIBPLn7u6MSJHq3oMZTj0jvygAniPtQgAzjLOq-iXO6KhraQn6oy_vm26zQisMEWsCbn0g/s400/IMG_3443.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339438128640739186" border="0" /></a><br />Each crew member takes the opportunity to practice deploying a practice fire shelter. The day cooperated well, winds were gusting at about 15-20mph which made for a more realistic deployment practice.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92FC4h8mu5AYlQaBso8OYXvVPrJu1-vA2tUFyo7FiS5PaN_geYbM4W8j0GAA7FSbAdFqturou9pnKPjjYVlZBuj7N_S6qWcE6G0TCovSe-HAUSJQKD3SmYoUtn2NUgutLJBXk0xgiNTQ/s1600-h/IMG_3445.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92FC4h8mu5AYlQaBso8OYXvVPrJu1-vA2tUFyo7FiS5PaN_geYbM4W8j0GAA7FSbAdFqturou9pnKPjjYVlZBuj7N_S6qWcE6G0TCovSe-HAUSJQKD3SmYoUtn2NUgutLJBXk0xgiNTQ/s400/IMG_3445.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339438134246325858" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The crew gathered around one particular crew member that not only successfully deployed in a decent amount of time, but had a great seal... he set a great example of how it should be done.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTz9YWPuBFKXAU_J-oRM4ynxb1GdPjGmXw5B5C0fgSZ7esQ2TdbFOGMdI9luOVqqyUgWxMkLk9iTTCsb__zEUAam6s-af8ysOErztVuOe18ZwQcX14T0WhPFjEdpvyoTmhER56o7VrSuc/s1600-h/IMG_3447.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTz9YWPuBFKXAU_J-oRM4ynxb1GdPjGmXw5B5C0fgSZ7esQ2TdbFOGMdI9luOVqqyUgWxMkLk9iTTCsb__zEUAam6s-af8ysOErztVuOe18ZwQcX14T0WhPFjEdpvyoTmhER56o7VrSuc/s400/IMG_3447.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339438139650822818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREY4Few8tkP1IYZE10cmbdN2QBf64uR8zwJ0oCOC9GijwUWXf622QQJhCOPBsMwmEM4C60xJBXAY_TwhyBg9nIFeSlhf5McdeeyKHvV8e7ZVm8Gx06shOChCxgRBFiHNY0QfVi3ZVdw4/s1600-h/IMG_3448.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREY4Few8tkP1IYZE10cmbdN2QBf64uR8zwJ0oCOC9GijwUWXf622QQJhCOPBsMwmEM4C60xJBXAY_TwhyBg9nIFeSlhf5McdeeyKHvV8e7ZVm8Gx06shOChCxgRBFiHNY0QfVi3ZVdw4/s320/IMG_3448.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339443344856429170" border="0" /></a>We're glad to have Paul Damron back on the crew once again. He did a fabulous job during the shelter deployment drills...<br /><br />We understand that deploying practice shelters on a lawn is not nearly realistic to what conditions will be like if it becomes necessary to utilize our shelters in the field, however the more repetitive the action is for the crew... the better prepared they should be to use the shelters if ever necessary. This is only the first of the shelter deployment practices we will have... these drills will be revisited throughout the season.<br /><br /><br />We followed shelter deployment with a team building P.T. The weight chase is a simple game, with simple rules. Two teams of equal size are created. The team members are bound together with a rope, which they are able to disconnect from if necessary. Each team member is handed a bag of weight... for this particular exercise it was 20 lbs per bag.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4JenrI1kfo1H643VKXixeDrh7rCAgRBGWpOXvG37TtJ3YxeQcQYwDqLFs1u6ULoafeqJgi13IRQ5QsuHJnzts0acryILUseP3Aai4mbgHK52P0vdySGf2cxciGU5FAtehmx0O5kYTeI/s1600-h/IMG_3452.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4JenrI1kfo1H643VKXixeDrh7rCAgRBGWpOXvG37TtJ3YxeQcQYwDqLFs1u6ULoafeqJgi13IRQ5QsuHJnzts0acryILUseP3Aai4mbgHK52P0vdySGf2cxciGU5FAtehmx0O5kYTeI/s400/IMG_3452.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339447412180392210" border="0" /></a>Each team starts on an opposite end of a course... then moving in the same direction they chase one-another until one team catches the other team. Simple.... right?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAObk_3WvO2ceZAO4JV0n18CcUEWUd6rD9pdgUwiDMYsx5cdmdIA3SjLjqQa_49GjHp82teKppt1TOSO83rLCj8RyzYG1WusHN5vsGjtGO4pstqYfPJmW7_0DV7NgKiqcHymQ1Q4JxGMg/s1600-h/IMG_3460.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAObk_3WvO2ceZAO4JV0n18CcUEWUd6rD9pdgUwiDMYsx5cdmdIA3SjLjqQa_49GjHp82teKppt1TOSO83rLCj8RyzYG1WusHN5vsGjtGO4pstqYfPJmW7_0DV7NgKiqcHymQ1Q4JxGMg/s400/IMG_3460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339445662936325922" border="0" /></a><br />In the picture above you will notice that the teams have reduced in size... that is part of the rules and strategy of this game play. Each member has the option of dropping off the rope line if they feel their team will do better without them. They can do this but before doing so, them must hand their weight to another team member increasing that team members burden. In the picture above you will notice that team 1 is down to three... team 2 is down to two and moving in fast.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-fkubXY5kaa6njE-48h91IM6TV30JHNeqQo9zQolHWEMkHX37AsSGiSlLcv1D5uvDIW1GImcSsqzYXN-0vmNSidPb1fCCLiDT6t4eiGu5OFiaku-9wqH912wrgRWcPU3PP_IYsu0cPI/s1600-h/IMG_3461.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-fkubXY5kaa6njE-48h91IM6TV30JHNeqQo9zQolHWEMkHX37AsSGiSlLcv1D5uvDIW1GImcSsqzYXN-0vmNSidPb1fCCLiDT6t4eiGu5OFiaku-9wqH912wrgRWcPU3PP_IYsu0cPI/s400/IMG_3461.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339445666034703266" border="0" /></a>The final shot of the race.... as one team catches the other... in the background you will see that those who have dropped out from exhaustion or strategy, are rooting their team on!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr3ZeAvUz6IkoC4sf0i6Dfy-9iPNORFs0DA7Zn0asR84cLUZem6CzSd90sWkChWJwM5DMSEkMs3cig-AUsxzren5NuzKVREi74DIrb6biKOGSCMO64jfN-KsC9qNdoQaSQPLrboEDl8s/s1600-h/IMG_3462.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwr3ZeAvUz6IkoC4sf0i6Dfy-9iPNORFs0DA7Zn0asR84cLUZem6CzSd90sWkChWJwM5DMSEkMs3cig-AUsxzren5NuzKVREi74DIrb6biKOGSCMO64jfN-KsC9qNdoQaSQPLrboEDl8s/s400/IMG_3462.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339445672489765506" border="0" /></a><br />It was 50 push-ups for the losing team... but as you can see, on Zion Helitack we are not a group of teams... we are one team! <br /><br />The season is off to a great start... the crew making it through week 2 of train-up! Only one more week to go prior to the ship coming on. The projects are starting to stack up, and the weather is looking promising for a busy season. As always, we'll be ready!M.L.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07833811948849899096noreply@blogger.com0