Aviation
Planes and helicopters are critical tools in managing wildland fire. Although aircraft are often used to fight wildfires, aircraft alone cannot put them out. Firefighters rely on planes and helicopters to:
Deliver equipment and supplies.
Deploy smokejumpers and rappelers to a fire.
Transport firefighters.
Provide reconnaissance of new fires, fire locations, and fire behavior.
Drop fire retardant or water to slow down a fire so firefighters can contain it.
Ignite prescribed fires.

