Forest Service Offering Tours of Independence Helitack Base
US Forest Service
Inyo National Forest
Contacts: Nancy Upham (760) 873-2427

Bishop, CA (June 30, 2009)...Have you ever wondered about that Forest Service helicopter stationed at the Independence Airport? Ever wondered how the Helitack crew fights fire with the helicopter and what the crew members actually do?

Well you will have your chance to find out this Saturday, July 4th, after the Independence Day Parade in Independence.

Tours will be offered at the Helitack Base, located at the Independence Airport, at 12:00, 2:00 and 5:00. The crew asks that you sign up ahead of time by coming to the Forest Service booth at the airport, or the Lone Pine Fire Safe Council booth at the Arts and Crafts show in front of the Inyo County Courthouse.

On the tour crew members will give some insight into what they do on a daily basis, how they use the helicopter for such things as bucket operations and heli-rappeling, and the strategies they use for safe and effective wildland firefighting.

Any questions please call Diana Distrola, Fire Prevention Patrol, at 876-6221.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/04/2009 04:51PM by eeek.