SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – Several planes and helicopters assisted firefighters on the ground of the Upriver Beacon Fire.
Fire officials said just one drop of water or retardant can save hours of work for crews on the ground. It comes down to protocols and plans that determine how high each plane can fly along with the routes they are going. The air crews also work closely with fire commanders to make sure they're being as efficient as possible.
For some of those planes, the fire hit close to home. Aero-flite, based near the Spokane Airport, had four planes joining the fight Tuesday. They are a private company that contracts with the Forest Service to fight fires. They provide the planes, pilots and much more.
Two of their so-called "super scoopers" were gathering water at Newman Lake on Tuesday. They gather 1,600 gallons of water gathered in about a dozen seconds. How do all of these planes move in and out of the area so well? Aero-flite staff said there is anti-collision technology on these planes and each aircraft has different altitudes and flight patterns they take. In the sky, a separate, smaller plane observes the fire and calls the shots.
"Everybody works together. Everybody trains in the same tactics and procedures," said Rick Dunlap with Flight Operations.
Their work supporting ground crews is appreciated. Fire officials tell me just one pass with an air tanker dropping 250 gallons of stuff can save hours of work for fire crews. It feels even more important when that fire is right in Aero-Flite's backyard.
Altogether, Aero-flite has 11 aircraft scattered across the country. They go where they are needed. They have their own mechanics who make sure the planes are safe and ready to fly.