The Helicopters of the Los Angeles Fire Department

The Los Angeles Fire Department has a wide range of helicopters in their fleet, many of which can be accommodated to take on a firefighting mission. Another interesting fact about using helicopters in conjunction with firefighting: more often than not, dirt is used rather than water because it is just as effective as water, but doesn't produce the steam and smoke that make the area hard to see and monitor.

Bell 412EP

Actually, this Bell helicopter is often used in military procedures and is a part of several country's military fleets. Here in the United States this model of helicopter is used in police and firefighting expeditions. Since being developed in 1979 there have been several variations of this model, each differing only slightly. With a maximum speed of 150 miles per hour, traveling to the site of a wildfire could be a speedy operation. Often, wildfires happen outside of Los Angeles proper, and speed is necessary to quickly eliminate the threat of the fire spreading.

Bell 206

There are many, many variations of the Bell 206 helicopter, some of which are used in the United States' military fleet. The low cost of operating this helicopter is often a factor when private or local departments choose to purchase this model. Just becuase the model is low priced doesn't mean that it isn't high functioning. With a top speed of 139 miles per hour and the ability to rise 1,280 feet per minute, these helicopters are a very safe investment. The Los Angeles Fire Department owns several versions of this helicopter.

How They Work

The helicopter or fixed wing airplane that will be assisting in the firefighting situation usually carries a tank, or more often a bucket. These buckets are often filled in lakes, rivers, or other special water areas before heading to the site of the fire. These buckets are often called Bambi buckets and a very flexible, laying almost flat before being filled with water or fire retardant. When fire retardant is mentioned, firefighters are often talking about a mixture of ammonium sulfate or other mixtures that are not toxic or harmful to plants and animals in the area. In fact, some of these mixtures can actually act as fertilizers for local plants. When dropping the water or retardant you may wonder how the drop is accurately made. Well, when a helicopter is used it can generally hover over a fire and make a direct drop. Fixed wing aircraft drop the water or retardant like a bomber, with the water hitting several different areas.