DCR and MANG offer Wildland Fire Training workshop on helicopter awareness

The Massachusetts DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control is partnering with Massachusetts Army National Guard, to deliver a two-hour helicopter awareness workshop for Western Massachusetts local fire department Chiefs and Officers. State agency and National Guard staff will discuss use of helicopters on wildland fires with emphasis on requesting process, responsibilities of the IC, basic tactics and strategies, and risk management around rotary wing aviation resources on fire operations.

Target Audience: Local Fire Chief’s and Fire Department Officers

Agenda Topics:

• Massachusetts process for requesting a helicopter for wildfire response support
• Responsibilities of the Incident Commander and Command / General Staff
• LZ and Dip Site criteria
• Basic wildland fire strategies, tactics and terminology, communications, air to
  ground coordination.
• Hazards, Safety, and overall Risk Management strategies around Rotary Wing
  Aviation on fire operations

IMPORTANT:

• Register for the Training Using the link provided above.
• Class size limited to 40
• Priority given to Western Mass Fire Chief Officers.

Links for helpful supporting reference tools.

• Helicopter Capabilities and Limitations (NWCG) Video 11 Mins
• Communicating with Helicopters (NWCG) Video 7 Mins
• NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide, PMS 461 PDF