Wildfire response in Minnesota commonly involves water-dropping aircraft like this helicopter to cool and slow an active wildfire. Keeping drones away from wildfires means one less distraction for firefighters. Photo credit: Minnesota Incident Command SystemAccess into the remote wilderness made firefighting a challenge on both the John Ek and Whelp fires. Transport by helicopter was one means of access. Photo retrieved from Superior National Forest Facebook page on August 27, 2021.Helicopters often dip for water from nearby open water sites, including marshes and ditches.The Minnesota Air National Guard Black Hawk helicopter supported both the North Norris and Square fire suppression efforts. Incident within an Incident simulation uses a MN State Patrol short-haul helicopter to rescue an injured firefighter.Sikorsky S-61 Helicopter assists on Lazier Creek 3 FireHelicopter drops a bucket of water on the Lake Hattie Fire 2016. Photo by Mark Erickson.
