WASHINGTON DNR FIRE AVIATION PROGRAM
The Fire Aviation Crew is an elite firefighting team consisting of pilots, managers, support truck drivers, and firefighters. Currently, the program staffs 5-6 initial attack helicopters on a daily basis. Crews are available for dispatch throughout all of Washington State. Aircraft are off the ground and en route to the fire within five minutes of dispatch.
Helicopters are dispatched using the following criteria:
Though the top priority is initial attack, DNR helicopters can be used for extended attack or large wildfire incident support provided that they can immediately be reassigned to initial attack duties when the need arises. The initial attack is key to DNR's goal, which is keeping the wildfires less than ten acres in size.
About Us (38KB PDF)View the Helitack photos on Flickr. Employment with DNR FIre Aviation Program (91KB PDF)History of DNR Fire Aviation Program (245KB PDF)Providing Equipment & Services for Fire SuppressionCall When Needed Contractors
Resource Protection DivisionGeneral Questions & InformationWashington State Department of Natural Resources360-902-1300Fax 360-902-1757RPD@dnr.wa.gov
Dan BoyleHelicopter Coordinator509-925-0967dan.boyle@dnr.wa.gov
Dennis CarlsonFire Aviation Program Manager360-902-1736dennis.carlson@dnr.wa.gov
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Helicopter Operations Plan Final (2,009KB PDF)
Personal Safety When Working Near Helicopters (11KB PDF)
Aviation Operations Plan DRAFT (841KB PDF)
DNR Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist (427KB PDF)