Central Point, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry is gearing up for what’s expected to be a busy fire season.
They received their first helicopter Friday morning, contracted out from a local company.
ODF Fire Specialist, Brian Ballou, said the choppers are an essential part of the initial attack when it comes to fighting wildfires.
“Sometimes it beats the engines there and that’s good. It gives us a good size up to what the fire’s doing and whether we need some additional equipment,” Ballou said.
The helicopters can also be used to transport firefighters and equipment and have water buckets.
ODF will have a total of four helicopters to work with. Two more will be stationed at the Medford office and one in Grants Pass.
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