Bridgeport Interagency Helitack Crew
What We Do
Helitack crews are teams of firefighters who are transported by helicopter to wildfires. Helicopters enable helitack crews to quickly respond and assess a wildfire situation. The helitack crew will land near a wildfire and once on-scene, the firefighters will perform a variety of tactical and logistical missions
Mission, Vision and Values
- Crew Principles. Bridgeport Helitack continually develops and maintains a high-performance professional wildland fire organization. We are committed to diverse training, versatility, initiative, and preparedness. Our foundational culture is based on physical and mental fortitude, deliberate risk management, strong working relationships, and resilient leadership. We invest in the professional development of every crewmember, endeavor to support families, and lead through innovation and outstanding service.
- Forest Service Aviation Mission. To provide safe, efficient, and coordinated aviation support for agency operations; to support partnership agreements; and to meet current and future needs through innovation and technology in order to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands.
- Forest Service Aviation Vision. Lead the world in aviation, supporting natural resources and wildland firefighting.
- Fire and Aviation Management Core Values. Safety, integrity, treating people with mutual respect, and land stewardship.
Equipment
The Bridgeport Helitack crew uses a Type 3 helicopter to respond to different mission including initial attack, large fire support, search and rescue, aerial ignition, forest support missions, and other missions as requested. The aircraft can carry up to five passengers and is able to reach high elevations, which allows the crew to help in more remote locations.
Organization
The Bridgeport Helitack crew consists of a 10-13 person crew, which includes:
- One manager
- Two assistant managers
- Three lead crews
- Two senior firefighters
- Four to five temporary seasonal crewmembers.
Training
Training is a key element in the successful performance of the duties of a wildland firefighter and helicopter crewmember. The Bridgeport Helitack training follow the guidance of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group and Aviation Qualification Guide for Wildland and Prescribed Fire (5109.17). It also consists of frequent field exercises and on-the-job training throughout the fire season. Skills practice include loading and unloading passengers, preparing cargo for transport, and setting up the bucket and longline.
Physical Fitness
Physical standards of the crew follow the outline “Fit to work standards at the arduous firefighter level.” Each crewmember must perform at a high level of physical fitness every day. Daily physical training is rigorous and can include crew hikes, distance running, hill sprints, strength training, and team building.
Employment
USFS Helitack crewmembers are required complete one season of wildland firefighting experience before being eligible to apply. Permanent and temporary USDA Forest Service wildland fire positions are filled through www.usajobs.gov.
Apply for Forest Service jobs!
Contacts
For more information, please contact the Helitack Program Manager or either of the Assistant Supervisors.
Forest Aviation Officer- Gabriel Considine-Cortelyou.
Gabriel.considine-cortelyou@usda.gov
Program Manager -Vacant
Assistant Program Manager -Tony Thaler
Assistant Program Manager- Gary Crombie