FIREFIGHTING

Firefighting:

For firefighting, the helicopter is equipped with an HL5000 Bambi-Bucket with power-fill capability and a foam injection system.

One of our helicopters (registration ER-MHZ) was on duty based out of Latrobe Valley airfield in Victoria, Australia during the 2006-2007 fire season.  We were fighting what have been hailed as the worst wildfires in recent Australian history.  "Victoria's fires have now burnt over 425,000 hectares and [there's] no significant rain forecast" (theage.com.au/Dec 14/"No end in sight for fire crews")

Heli Harvest Ltd has provided aerial firefighting services in Victoria in 2003/2004, in 2004/2005, and in 2006/2007.  For the latter two contracts, the helicopter was supported on the ground by our own Jet-A1 fuel-tanker which was shipped to Australia to ensure a prompt and efficient fuel supply to the helicopter.

Rapid response:

Our ability and willingness to make long-distance flights means that we are able to respond to customers' needs beyond the shores of New Zealand at short notice. 

In December 2006, Heli Harvest was contacted by Australian authorities with a request that we commence operations within 10 days.   

Helicopter ER-MHZ was fitted with its long-range fuel tanks, the cabin was loaded with firefighting equipment and the crew departed from Taupo.  The two-day flight route was: Taupo - Ardmore - Kerikeri - Norfolk Island - Lord Howe Island (overnight stop) - Taree, NSW - Latrobe Valley Airport, VIC. 

We were on duty, fighting fires one day ahead of schedule (nine days after the call to mobilise).

Fighting fires with helicopters in New Zealand:

Every year the issue of forest fires comes to the fore as warm temperatures and reduced rainfall over the summer months increases fire danger levels.  Helicopters are an effective firefighting tool.  They use under-slung buckets to drop water on the fire from above.

We have two x 5,000 litre 'Bambi Bucket' firefighting systems which have been referred to as 'the ultimate aerial firefighting solution that puts more water on the fire than any other system'.

Fire-fighting - Tauranga, New Zealand In the summer of 1998-1999, we were called upon to fight forest fires in the Tauranga area.	Fire-fighting - Hatepe, New Zealand On Waitangi Day 2003, the Rural Fire Service requested our assistance to help in the fight against fire at Hatepe (just south of Taupo).
Fire-fighting - Nelson, New Zealand In December 2004, we provided aerial firefighting on a forest fire 30km south of Nelson.	Fire-fighting - Canvastown, New Zealand On 9, 10 and 11 March 2006, we provided aerial firefighting on a forest fire in a commercial block 1km east of Canvastown.