Waiting for wildfire: private helicopter company on standby in Redding

REDDING, Calif. — A private helicopter crew has been standing by at Redding's Benton Airpark for the last few weeks, prepared to be sent to a major wildfire.

The Sikorsky Sky Crane just returned from its most recent mission: the Ridge Fire in Siskiyou County.

Helicopter Transport Services' company policy prohibits workers from speaking on camera. However, one employee was able to speak with KRCR.

They're under contract with the U.S. Forest Service and could fly anywhere in the country where federal land is burning. The helicopter can also be used in mutual aid with CAL FIRE.

The 47,000-pound "type one asset"—meaning it's one of the largest choppers—can fill its 2,500-gallon tank in about one minute using a hose with an impeller on the end. They call it a snorkel to suck up water or retardant.

As of Wednesday, it's pre-positioned in Redding, with a primary coverage area from Fresno to the Oregon border.

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