Helicopters, Flying Firefighters

Helicopters play an essential role in fighting fires, as they save lives where nothing else can go.

It is not surprising that helicopters are a vital part of the firefighting resources when they reach the critical phase of their operations: the attack on the fire. Whether lightweight or power monsters, firefighters can rely on several Airbus helicopters to help combat the fires. Water bomber helicopters, equipped with a flexible tank or a belly tank, help slow the fire’s progress by dropping up to 4,000 liters of water each time they fly over the fire. For example, the H125 can drop up to 1,200 liters of water each time it flies over the blaze. It can transport up to four firefighters with their equipment.

However, the role of helicopters in the fight against fires extends beyond just attacking the blaze. Not only do helicopters support firefighters during the attack phase, but they also intervene before and after this critical step. For example, patrol and surveillance are key elements of the firefighters’ work to assess the complexity and intensity of the fire they will need to extinguish. With unmatched performance in high and hot conditions, the H125 is an important asset at this stage of the mission. It can also be mobilized thanks to its great versatility and maneuverability, including for monitoring and transporting passengers.

Evacuation poses a challenge in firefighting operations, whether extracting citizens from threatened areas or protecting and evacuating firefighters from the site. The recent increase in wildfires worldwide has shown that Airbus helicopters’ proven flight capabilities in all weather conditions are indispensable.

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