I n 1948 the Florida Forest Service (FFS) aviation program started with one small, single engine, two seat, Cessna airplane. Seventy years later, 28 airplanes and helicopters make up the fleet of aircraft supporting the agency’s mission to protect Florida and its people from the dangers of wildland fire. Prevention, mitigation, detection, and suppression efforts all benefit from the people and equipment involved with fire aviation. The FFS has geographically divided Florida’s 67 counties into 15 field units. Each field unit has a firefighter pilot and a single engine airplane. The airplanes, Piper Archers, and Cessna 182s, allow the firefighters to be in an advantageous position to view the Florida landscape and fire activity. Pre-determined routes are flown so they can monitor open burning and detect new wildfires. Flying at 125- 150 miles an hour, large areas can be quickly checked for illegal or unauthorized burns, escaped fires, incendiary fires, or lightning caused wildland fires. If ground resources are needed to address a problem the pilot can quickly provide an accurate location and description of the situation. They can often be seen flying over a wild fire helping as a lookout, providing a communication link, identifying safety zones or escape routes to reduce the risk to fire fighters operating on the ground. Their vantage point in the air is especially good for observing the weather, fuel and topography affecting fire behavior. The effectiveness of the tactics applied on the ground can be easily evaluated. When the information is provided to the incident commander better decision making can result. In 1987 helicopters were acquired by the FFS, adding a new dimension to the aviation program. The Bell UH-1 “Huey” has been an important part of the aerial firefighting effort since that time. Six of these medium helicopters are based at five locations across Florida to respond with water dropping capability. Each one is equipped with a 320 gallon Bambi bucket and the ability to inject Class A foam. Many Florida firefighters have welcomed the distinct sound of an approaching FFS Huey. Maneuverability makes the helicopter an excellent tool for suppression in the wildland urban interface where some of the most dangerous and complex fires occur. When coordinated with engines and tractor/plows many fires can be more quickly and efficiently suppressed while at the same time reducing the threat to people and property. Two light, Bell OH-58 helicopters, are operated by the FFS. The most common use is for aerial ignition of prescribed burns as part of FLORIDA FIRE SERVICE April 2018 16 By Brian McKee, Assistant Chief, Aviation Manager, Florida Forest Service April 2018 FFS.QXD 4/10/18 1:41 PM Page 16