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Our Organization:
1x Superintendent (GS-9)
1x Captain (GS-7/8)
2x Squad Leaders (GS-6/7)
4x Senior Firefighters (GS-5)
5-7x Seasonal Temps (GS-4/5)
If any experienced wildland firefighters are interested in a temporary assignment to Challis Helitack, get in touch with us!
We also incorporate personnel in the Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship program who want to include Aviation as one of their training options.
Challis Helitack is a 15 person helitack crew specializing in Wilderness and remote IA and fire suppression.
Because of the steep and remote terrain on the Salmon-Challis NF, helicopters are the primary response to new incidents. The forest hosts two Helitack crews, one based in Challis (us) and one in Salmon.
Our Helicopter
We have one Type 3 Helicopter on contract with our crew.
Currently, it's a Bell 407 HP contracted with Minuteman Aviation
Typical Season Overview:
Late Fall - Early Spring: Assisting other regions of the country with burning and helicopter staffing
Early-Mid April: Squad Leaders and Seniors begin work, prepping helibase and onboarding seasonals, some RX fire locally.
Early to Late May: Seasonals begin work, training and PT begins. Some local RX fire.
Mid to Late June: Helicopter starts contract, usually go off-Forest on a 14-21 day assignment.
Late July-Early September: Fire season on the Salmon-Challis; Wilderness IA and long term management fires
September: Typically go off-Forest again until end of season.
October: Some local RX fire, 13/13 and Seasonals laid off
Aviation Operations
Aviation Operations
While the crew's main focus is on fire suppression, crewmembers will find themselves with the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of aviation assignments. There are many paths to follow on the aviation side of fire. Helitack will have a chance to complete their Helicopter Crewmember task books and eventually expand into different positions within the fire aviation field, from Air Base Radio Operator to Helibase Manager. In addition to helicopters, crew member also fill in on the district engines and handcrew.
Prescribed Fire
Prescribed Fire
RX fire implementation usually takes place at the beginning and end of fire season, allowing crewmembers the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in fire & fuels management. The Salmon-Challis National Forest is able to maintain a comprehensive prescribed fire program which burns thousands of acres every season. Crewmembers may also expect to see RX opportunities with other Regions such as Region 8 in the Southeastern US. In addition, crewmembers can be exposed to aerial ignition operations and may choose to explore PLDO quals. Fuels management qualifications and assignments are attainable for those with the desire to drag a torch or crunch the numbers.
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