Fighting wildland fires can be a dangerous and physically demanding profession. With fire seasons getting longer and hotter, it is only going to be more challenging for the boots on the ground. Over the years, and several tragic episodes where wildland firefighters have lost their lives, a system has been developed to extract these ill and injured firefighters as quickly as possible.

Wildfires can be broken into two phases: initial attack and extended attack. The initial attack phase is generally the first 24–48 hours of a fire. The incident commander is usually from a local firefighting agency and is familiar with the local helicopter rescue resources.

During the extended attack phase, incident command teams from outside the area can be used. They may have no information on rescue resources.

With that in mind, the US Forest Service (USFS) has compiled an Emergency Helicopter Extraction Source Guide. The country is divided into 10 geographic area coordination centers (GACCs) for ordering resources for wildfires. This guidebook lists all the known helicopter rescue resources included in each GACC. The incident commander can then place an order through their GACC for a dedicated rescue helicopter to be assigned to their fire.

There are several methods through which a victim can be extricated. If the injured or ill person can be moved to a relatively open area where a helicopter can land, the rescue is pretty straightforward. It is when no landing zone (LZ) is available that the rescue can need specialized helicopter teams. These are either a helicopter short-haul team, which uses a rope attached to the helicopter’s cargo hook, or a helicopter equipped with a rescue hoist.

“The daily rescue ship is documented in the incident action plan (IAP) by the incident commander and the operations branch during an extended attack incident,” explained California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Battalion Chief Zach Boyce, who oversees his department’s air rescue program. “They always look for a helicopter asset with the highest level of rescue and medical care which can provide 24-hour hoist rescue capabilities. That may be a local government law enforcement or fire department aircraft. That could also be an Army National Guard helicopter ambulance unit.”

If a medevac is requested, the airborne air tactical group supervisor (ATGS) coordinates all aircraft movement within the fire traffic area (FTA), including the rescue aircraft. The ATGS would coordinate the entry and exit of the rescue ship into the FTA as well as coordinate with the personnel on scene of the medical emergency. If there is a helicopter coordinator (HELCO) flying, that person would likely be assigned to coordinate the rescue and keep the ATGS updated.

Rescues on fires can get complicated by the behavior of the fire. If fire is approaching the victim and rescuers, the ATGS would coordinate airtankers and water-dropping helicopters to slow the spread of the fire and protect the ground rescue personnel. The rescue ship would then be cycled into the incident between drops to effect the rescue. There is the additional danger of dropping water or retardant on the ground personnel, which can cause significant injury. The other danger is that the water or retardant can bring down trees or cause rock slides, which could injure the rescuers.

If fire is approaching the victim and rescuers, the ATGS would coordinate airtankers and water-dropping helicopters to slow the spread of the fire and protect the ground rescue personnel

Mattia Carpin, Head of Engineering at FlySight, explained that using technology can help maximize the effectiveness of any initial and extended attack scenario to improve outcomes for the mission: “FlySight’s OPENSIGHT Mission Console is designed to enhance situational awareness and decision-making in both initial and extended attack wildfire scenarios by integrating real-time augmented reality (AR), AI-driven analytics, and multi-source geospatial intelligence.

“In initial attack missions, where time is critical, OPENSIGHT allows operators to immediately visualize fire perimeters, hot spots, and terrain conditions by overlaying georeferenced data directly onto the live video feeds from onboard sensors and drones. Instead of relying on separate map displays, operators can see critical changes integrated into their real-time view, enabling faster tactical decisions.

“For extended attack operations, OPENSIGHT can provide continuous fire area monitoring and risk assessment, leveraging historical fire data, satellite imagery, and environmental models to predict fire spread. The system processes and synchronizes information from thermal imaging, electro-optical (EO) / infrared (IR) payloads, and real-time weather updates to provide an adaptive and evolving operational picture.”

Communications tech and hoist equipment

Awareness and effective communication helps prevent injury to people near a fire, said Andrew Munro, Managing Director of Smith Myers, with reference to his company’s mobile phone detection, location and communication system, ARTEMIS: “The key to preventing a small fire from escalating is a rapid and effective response. Command and control aircraft play a crucial role in assessing the fire area and ensuring ground evacuations before calling for large water or retardant drops. ARTEMIS enhances this process by quickly providing first responders with greater confidence that the area is clear of people.

“During extended attack scenarios, ARTEMIS can be used to distribute evacuation messages, provide safe routes, and facilitate direct communication with those unable to evacuate, such as the elderly or incapacitated. This enables ground rescue teams to focus their efforts precisely where they are needed. Ultimately, ARTEMIS improves both speed and certainty in aerial firefighting operations.”

This attitude was reaffirmed by Javier Chamorro, Executive President of Centum, whose communications technologies Lifeseeker and Cellair are also used by rescuers: “In the early stages of a wildfire, Lifeseeker helps teams quickly identify and locate people in danger, allowing for fast, informed decisions on where to deploy resources. When operations extend over longer periods, Lifeseeker continues to provide real-time situational awareness, ensuring smooth coordination between aerial and ground crews, even if regular communication networks are down. In these cases, Cellair steps in to provide reliable airborne connectivity, keeping everyone connected throughout the mission.”

The safety factors built into the Firehawk, such as twin engines, redundant flight control systems, and crash attenuating seats, make it a better rescue ship

With CAL FIRE now using the Sikorsky Firehawk, its rescue capabilities are also increased over the previous Bell UH-1H Huey aircraft. The Firehawk’s external rescue hoist is permanently mounted, whereas the Huey’s interior hoist was removable and stored with the helitender truck. Thus, it would take longer to equip the Huey for hoist rescue duties. The Firehawk is also faster, has a longer range, and can carry a lot more people in an emergency situation. The safety factors built into the Firehawk, such as twin engines, redundant flight control systems, and crash attenuating seats, make it a better rescue ship. The hoist on the Firehawk is also faster and has newer technology to make it more reliable and efficient.

Training and debriefing

CAL FIRE has a Bluedrop hoist rescue simulator to help train crews. Designed for building muscle memory and reinforcing standard procedures, it can be used for both day or night hoist rescue simulation. While CAL FIRE doesn’t currently perform night hoist rescues, that capability is being developed. They also use the simulator to train and practice hoist emergency procedures. It reduces the number of flight hours on the aircraft, which reduces maintenance and flight hour costs. The simulator can also be used regardless of the weather. CAL FIRE has two simulators. One will eventually be mounted in a trailer so it can travel to all the helicopter bases around the state to train crews in place.

While CAL FIRE doesn’t currently perform night hoist rescues, that capability is being developed

The importance of training for effective operations is emphasized by Carpin: “Training and simulation are integral to aerial firefighting, and OPENSIGHT seamlessly integrates into synthetic training environments to enhance preparedness for real-world missions. Unlike static training tools, OPENSIGHT supports real-time scenario recreation, allowing operators to simulate wildfire conditions using historical satellite imagery, uncrewed aerial vehicle reconnaissance data, and AI-predicted fire behavior models.” Carpin continued: “By integrating directly with flight simulators and tactical training platforms, OPENSIGHT enables pilots and airborne sensor operators (ASOs) to train in a high-fidelity virtual environment that mimics actual mission conditions. The augmented reality visualization engine replicates real-time fire overlays and terrain data, reinforcing decision-making skills and improving response efficiency before deployment.”

Realistic training cannot be overlooked, said Munro: “Realism in training is crucial, as is post-facto analysis of live mission data. This is where the ARTEMIS simulator comes in. It provides cost-effective, on-the-ground training while also allowing first responders to replay live mission data for post-facto analysis, helping them refine their tactics, techniques, and procedures.”

The importance of good training cannot be overstated, said Chamorro: “Training is a fundamental part of firefighting, and Centum Center is an online tool to support both training exercises and mission debriefings. Crews can use it to simulate real-life search and rescue (SAR) and aerial firefighting operations, allowing them to practice geolocation tracking, coordination protocols, and communication workflows in a realistic and controlled environment.”

He continued: “Beyond training, Centum Center also plays a crucial role in debriefing. After a mission, teams can review past operations, analyze decision-making processes, and identify areas for improvement. This capability helps refine strategies and enhances overall mission effectiveness, ensuring that aerial firefighting teams are always prepared for real-world scenarios.”

Several firefighting agencies have developed helicopter rescue programs. The USFS created a short-haul rescue program that is being used by five helitack units in the western USA.

“We began the USFS helicopter short-haul program in 2015,” said Josh Ingle, USFS National Helicopter Short-Haul Program Manager. “It really began as a grassroots movement by our field personnel to develop this program. There were some medical incidents on fire lines [where it] took a long time to transport the patient by ground to medical care and limited treatment options. Up until this point, the USFS was dependent on other federal, state, and local agencies to provide helicopter evacuation.

“The US National Park Service (NPS) already had a successful short-haul program, so we worked closely with them to develop the USFS program based on their experience and lessons learned over the years. We still work closely with them through the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, which has a unit on short-haul rescue. This unit has created a set of tactics, techniques and procedures that are used by NPS and USFS short-haul rescue programs.”

Initiates to the program attend one of three short-haul academies put on by the USFS around the country. This is a one-week program with academic and practical training on how to accomplish the short-haul mission. There is also annual refresher training for returning short-haul crewmembers. A minimum short-haul team consists of one qualified spotter and one Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (EMT-Basic) qualified short-haul rescuer. It is preferred to have two short-haul qualified rescuers, with one required to be an EMT-Basic. Proficiency training is also required throughout the fire season for all the crewmembers, with scenario-based training using different lengths of ropes and types of equipment approximately taking place every two weeks.

“The USFS uses a variety of commercially available rescue equipment offered by a number of vendors,” commented Ingle. “We must use a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved dual-hook human external cargo suspension system. We have ambulatory and non-ambulatory extraction devices, as well as basic medical and immobilization equipment. Rope line lengths are 100, 150, 200, and 250ft. They can be joined together if a longer length is needed due to terrain or tree height.”

We have ambulatory and non-ambulatory extraction devices, as well as basic medical and immobilization equipment

The ability for technology to aid aerial firefighting operations is explained by Munro: “ARTEMIS enables rapid mapping of people within a geofenced area, helping coordinate water drops to suppress and delay fires while preventing accidental drops on individuals. This capability, combined with the ability to send targeted or mass SMS messages – even in the absence of a functioning cellular network – enhances command and control in fast-moving disaster situations.”

Locating individuals and adapting to changing circumstances are also supported by Centum’s technology, said Chamorro: “Lifeseeker’s strength lies in its accurate geolocation capabilities. It can detect and locate mobile phones in real time, helping aerial teams pinpoint the exact locations of people on the ground. Lifeseeker’s real-time data also supports aircraft coordination, helping crews adapt quickly to changing fire conditions.”

Vehicles – ground and air

The helicopters and pilots used by the USFS for helitack are provided by commercial vendors. The current contracts call for either the Airbus H125/AS350 B3 or the Bell 407 for short-haul programs. The request for bids for a short-haul-capable helitack helicopter spell out the exact pilot experience and training qualifications needed to be awarded that base contract. The USFS has helicopter pilot examiners that test all the pilots using standardized test forms to make sure they can safely demonstrate all the skills needed to be a helitack pilot. If it is short-haul base, similar test forms have been developed in order to be qualified to fly short-haul missions.

The decision to use a short-haul helicopter for a rescue is based on a number of factors. A standardized form is used to record all the details of the incident and creates an extraction matrix to determine the best method to transport the patient to medical care. In addition, a risk-assessment matrix is used to determine if the use of a helicopter is warranted. The location of active flames and fire behavior must be considered.

The decision to use a short-haul helicopter for a rescue is based on a number of factors. A standardized form is used to record all the details of the incident and creates an extraction matrix to determine the best method to transport the patient to medical care

A helitender truck or trailer carries a stock of rescue equipment and follows the helicopter as it moves around the country responding to fires. Once the decision is made to perform a short-haul, the aircraft is readied, and the crew launches to the incident. Along the way, they continue to obtain details about the incident from ground personnel, as well as the airborne ATGS, who is in charge of all aviation assets over a fire, or the HELCO. The ATGS is working to get the rescue helicopter to the scene as soon as possible by diverting firefighting aircraft out of the path of the rescue ship.

Once on scene, the team will fly a high-level and low-level reconnaissance of the scene to look for hazards and determine the best location to perform the short-haul extraction. The pilot will also do power checks to make sure the aircraft is capable of performing the mission. The helicopter crew will then identify the nearest location where they can land and configure the helicopter for a short-haul. Another standardized risk assessment is performed by the entire team as a final safety check. The rescuer is then inserted into the scene, disconnects from the rope, and the helicopter leaves the immediate area. Once the patient is packaged, the helicopter returns and the rescuer and patient are attached to the short-haul rope and extracted.

“The Kern County Fire Department, California, operates a unique program that provides a day/night hoist-equipped UH-1H to act as a dedicated hoist rescue ship on large, extended attack fires outside of our county,” stated Battalion Chief Brandon Asher. “In addition to the hoist, we also provide full paramedic medical care. We can be ordered through one of the GACCs – we are on a list of helicopter resources as a 24-hour paramedic-level hoist resource. We generally stay in California, and have been as far as Oregon. We don’t do any firefighting on these deployments; we are strictly there to offer day/night hoist rescue services for firefighters on the line.

“We are one of the only local government agencies that offer this service,” he continued. “It is rare to have a day/night hoist ship with paramedic-level care. We are finding ourselves being requested more and more often as time has gone by. We most often end up in northern California, as there are few hoist rescue helicopter units.”

Personnel and risk assessment

Kern County crews these ships with a pilot, a hoist operator, a rescuer, and a safety person. It also sends a support crew that includes a mechanic, a fuel truck driver, and some logistic support personnel. The pilots are on a 12-day rotation and the rest of the crew are on a 14-day rotation before being relieved. The department has spent as long as 12 weeks having a ship on dedicated out-of-county rescue deployments during a fire season. They always have a fully staffed helicopter in Kern County, and only send a helicopter out of county if both of their Hueys are operational.

The department has spent as long as 12 weeks having a ship on dedicated out-of-county rescue deployments during a fire season

“Even though we are not usually familiar with the terrain and landmarks on a rescue mission when we are out of county, we are given an electronic map of the fire area we can load into our ForeFlight system on our iPad and use for navigation to the scene,” Asher said. “Once on scene, we need to be aware of the rotor wash and its effect on the fire if it is close. We try to hoist higher above the ground to minimize rotor wash fanning the fire. We also need to be aware of the possible limited visibility due to smoke, as well as the effect of the heated air on engine performance.”

Being aware of the situation, the terrain, weather and multiple other factors all contribute to the risk assessment before attempting any mission. The importance of using the tools available to enhance the safety of operations is stated by Munro: “ARTEMIS plays a crucial role in risk assessments by providing direct communication with both civilians and first responders on the ground. This helps identify safe evacuation routes and track how conditions are changing in real time. During wildfires, cellular networks are often compromised or power is cut, severely hampering communication. ARTEMIS overcomes this challenge by enabling messaging and/or voice calling, even in these conditions.” Munro added: “Additionally, ARTEMIS is fully integrated with first-responder situational awareness tools like the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK). This ensures enhanced real-time visibility of the evolving situation, allowing for more informed and safer rescue operations.”

The speed at which decisions have to be made means that clear, accurate and contemporaneous data needs to be available, said Carpin: “Risk assessment in wildfire operations demands high-speed data processing and predictive analytics, and OPENSIGHT provides a dynamic, AI-enhanced risk evaluation framework to support operational safety and decision-making. By integrating real-time EO/IR sensor feeds and terrain analysis tools, OPENSIGHT continuously evaluates critical factors such as wind conditions, slope of the land, escape routes, and access feasibility, ensuring rapid situational awareness. OPENSIGHT allows mission commanders to proactively assess whether a rescue is feasible under changing conditions. The system seamlessly integrates with mobile detection technologies such as Smith Myers’ ARTEMIS and Centum’s Lifeseeker, significantly improving the ability to locate missing personnel or trapped individuals in wildfire zones, even in low-visibility conditions.”

Furthermore, having all the information at your fingertips in an easy-to-read format enables faster decision-making, said Chamorro: “Lifeseeker helps with risk assessments by providing real-time data on the location and movement of people in distress, along with situational information about the surrounding environment. This allows mission leaders to quickly evaluate whether conditions are safe enough for a rescue. By tracking both rescue teams and affected individuals relative to the fire’s position, Lifeseeker supports smarter, faster decisions that prioritize the safety of both the rescuers and those at risk.”

Carpin said that integration is a key factor for any system that is being used on complex missions like aerial firefighting to operate and rescue people safely: “Designed for real-time data fusion, OPENSIGHT overlays multi-source intelligence – including video feeds, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scans, geographic information system layers, and tactical maps – directly onto operator displays, reducing the need to switch between multiple systems. Its augmented reality engine processes high-resolution sensor streams, enabling immediate overlay of fire perimeters, evacuation routes, and risk assessments in a single, synchronized view.” He added: “An example of OPENSIGHT’s integration is its deployment within the HELIAWARENESS mission system by Leonardo. This system, already in use on the AW139 helicopters used by Italian firefighters, demonstrates how OPENSIGHT can enhance mission-critical operations. By integrating with HELIAWARENESS, OPENSIGHT enables operators to leverage advanced capabilities, ensuring timely and effective decision-making during complex firefighting operations. The fusion of OPENSIGHT’s data with HELIAWARENESS further strengthens the mission platform’s ability to deliver precise, actionable intelligence in dynamic, high-stress environments.”