Quick update... A few of us were sitting at helibase this morning and could not think of another large fire, (as in thousands of acres), that was so reliant on helicopters. There is only one way up to the fire.....and that is by helicopter. Here is the latest from inciweb about 3 hours ago, and remember this is all in the last 12 days:
Helicopters have played a vital role in suppression and support activies during the incident and have logged over 400 flight hours. These flights have safely supported the following missions:
1). 1,000,000 gallons of water dropped while supporting firefighters during suppression and mop up operations.
2). 500 passengers transported from Warm Springs airstrip to multiple spike camps within the fire area.
3). 150,000 pounds of cargo shuttled from Warm Springs airstrip to the fireline in support of firefighters. This includes overnight fire gear, pumps, hoses and warm meals.
Helicopters will continue to support the fireline personnel as they begin to transport firecrews and fire fighting equipment back to Warm Springs airstip once incident objectives have been met.