Aerial Fire Fighting in Ireland; 2010 Season.

[500 Fan]

I read in one of the national papers in Ireland today that there have been a number of gorse fires in the last week. Farmers have apparently been burning off the gorse but the fires have spread to forests and national park areas. Some of the problem areas mentioned include Oughterard, Kylemore and Letterfrack in Co. Galway. It also mentioned that helicopters have been involved in fighting these fires.

Is there anyone on this forum involved in this operation? I presume Executive Helicopters are involved again with their EC120 but I could be wrong. Maybe Irish Helicopters are working the fires with their new EC135? Anyone know if the Irish Air Corps have the AW139 certified with their Bambi-Bucket and are set for any fire fighting this year?

If anyone has information, interesting tales and PHOTOS of this weeks events, please share. It's good to see something positive in the press on the use of helicopters in Ireland. Thanks.

500 Fan.

[Lude-og]

Not involved in the ops personally but saw News footage of the EC120 and Irish Helicopters BO105 operating with the bambi buckets. The BO105 has been operating in this role for years when required. I doubt Irish Helicopters would want to dirty the shiny new 135 yet!
Did not hear anything about Air Corps involvement as of yet.

[500 Fan]

Lude, thanks for the info. It's interesting to see Executive Helis and Irish Helis working on fires in the same area at the same time, though both machines were probably working on seperate fires in Co. Galway.

It's good to see the old "Bo" still earning its keep. The EC135 was probably tied up on the Irish Lights contract. Irish Helis could always call in their AS350s if things get really bad. I have heard a rumour that the IAC AW139 is ready to fly this year with the Bambi-Bucket. It will be interesting to see if they get a call-out this year.

500 Fan.

[500 Fan]

Does anyone know the registration or operator of what appears to be a Bell 212 that is currently working the forest fire in the Moycullen area of County Galway? I'd guess that it's German. Thanks.


500 Fan.

[Hedski]

N362EH of Heli-Lift Services in Oxfordshire.

Does anyone know the registration or operator of what appears to be a Bell 212 that is currently working the forest fire in the Moycullen area of County Galway? I'd guess that it's German. Thanks.


500 Fan.

[Thunderbirdsix]

Air Corps AW139 Helicopters have been fighting the fire since last Monday, they had a very busy 48 hours putting water on the fire which is now under control but a lot of damage to the Forest.


Air Corps drops 158 thousand litres of water on Connemara wildfire - Galway Bay FM (http://galwaybayfm.ie/air-corps-drops-158-thousand-litres-water-connemara-wildfire/)

[500 Fan]

Thanks Hedski.

The fire is actually situated further into the Connemara region nearer to Oughterard. The forest that is ablaze is the biggest forest in Ireland and about a third of it has already been burned. Weather is still dry here today so they will presumably have another full days flying ahead. Heavy rain is forecast for tomorrow and that hopefully will bring the fire to an end. :ok:

Not sure if Executive Helicopters have their EC120 out there.

500 Fan.