HELICOPTER GUIDELINES

CONTACT NUMBERS

1-800-299-3473

As the incident commander, you will know when you need this assistance. Do not call if you do not need the assistance but do not wait until it is to late to save said structures. If you need a helicopter to save structures that are threatened by wildfire due to the lack of manpower and equipment or if the fire is progressing beyond your control, you can contact the following;

Mark Goeller      cell #           405-487-0983      State EM 405-521-2481

Steve Mattax       cell # 405-487-0980

John Birwell        cell # 405-640-9492

Or me at these numbers:

OFFICE     1-800-375-8255 ext 113    

MOBILE    1-405-834-6722               HOME       1-405-275-3936

When you call, you will need to give the following information.

WHO - Which Fire Department is requesting a helicopter

LOCATION - The Fires Location, use Latitude and Longitude if possible

COMMUNICATIONS - Radio Frequency/s being used at incident scene

IC - Incident Commander name and unit number

MANPOWER - Number of men and units at scene

HAZARDS – Identify any special hazards in the area

There may be circumstances that the helicopter is already in use and may not be available. 

AREA THREATENED

As of today, the area threatened will need to be any structure. A structure can be a barn, home, maintenance building of shop area, etc. If you have a major agriculture related item, this may be allowed but keep in mind the helicopter water drop is to be used as a last resort after all of your other resources have been exhausted. If this fire is getting ahead of you and your resources call for the helicopter.

Or me at these numbers:

OFFICE     1-800-375-8255 ext 113    

MOBILE    1-405-834-6722                         HOME       1-405-275-3936

When you call, you will need to give the following information.

WHO - Which Fire Department is requesting a helicopter

LOCATION - The Fires Location, use Latitude and Longitude if possible

COMMUNICATIONS - Radio Frequency/s being used at incident scene

IC - Incident Commander name and unit number

MANPOWER - Number of men and units at scene

HAZARDS – Identify and special hazards in the area

Basic Guidelines for Use of Forestry Services Helicopters

                    Helicopters cannot be used with sustained winds greater than 30 mph or when gust spreads exceed 15 mph over sustained wind speed.

                    Operational period of these helicopters will be from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

                    Air speed of these ships is approximately 100 mph. Therefore; plan accordingly when ordering the resource.

                    Only Forestry Personnel are authorized as passengers in the helicopter. Nomex pants and shirts are required apparel.

                    No passengers are authorized on helicopters while the aircraft is performing bucket work.

                    The pilot is in Charge of all aircraft at all times. Personnel will follow the pilot’s directions for safety while on board the aircraft.

                    No person shall approach the aircraft while it is landing or while the rotor is in motion unless the pilot indicates it is safe to do so.

                    Never approach the aircraft from the rear.