Helicopters allow us to get in to a fire quickly and get it under control. They also give the crew a chance to get an overall picture of the fire from the air before they begin constructing lines. Schuckert was also quick to point out that he utilizes a variety of resources on initial attack the same resources that are available on large fires. Air tankers from Missoula, Payette, and Grangeville can be at his location in just minutes. These aircraft can deliver thousands of gallons of water and retardant and sometimes determine whether you will be able to control a fire in the first few hours or whether you will be chasing it, explained Schuckert.
Smoke jumpers are also on call for initial attack.
We use them when local resources are stretched they can get in there and hold the fire until other personnel are freed up, he said. Schuckert had the answer to that question. We have four fire lookouts that are staffed during the summer. From these vantage points we can spot smokes from fires when they are small. Dispatch then alerts the nearest firefighting crew of the new blaze so they can take action.