RICHLAND, Wash – Aerial firefighters play a crucial role on the front lines of battling wildfires and are consistently available to help.
Dauntless Air Chief Pilot Jesse Weaver has been flying for 38 years and says that aerial crews can typically withstand weather-related issues.
“We have a wind limitation of 30 knots. At the fire, when wind starts blowing more than that, aerial resources tend to be ineffective,” Weaver said.
Pilots are well-trained in all kinds of weather situations and are rarely bothered by the weather. Before taking off, pilots will check the forecast so they know what to expect.
Smoke causes visibility issues for pilots since they need to be able to see exactly where they’re dropping water or fire retardant.
Fire Boss Planes are amphibious and equipped with advanced technology, including GPS and infrared cameras to pinpoint the areas of the fire.
These planes provide essential support from above, aiding ground crews in their efforts to control and contain dangerous blazes. One of their main purposes is to fight fires where ground crews can’t get to.
“We work for the incident commander or the guys on the ground, just assisting them in beating down the flames to a manageable level where firefighters can get to them,” Weaver said.
Fire Boss Planes can absorb up to 800 gallons of water, which is more than the weight of a plane.
There are 13 Fire Boss Planes across Washington state and there are six at the Richland Airport.