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Helitack
crews are teams of firefighters who are transported by helicopter to wildfires.
Helicopters provide rapid transport, enabling helitack crews to quickly
respond and assess a wildfire situation. Helitack crews may land near
a wildfire or, if equipped and trained, rappel from a hovering helicopter.
Once on the ground, crews build firelines using hand tools, chainsaws,
and other firefighting tools. They often remain overnight in remote locations.
After they have completed their assignment, crew members may pack up to
120 pounds of equipment over difficult terrain to reach a pick-up point.
Rappellers often prepare helispots (helicopter landing zones) that provide
better access to a fire. Helicopter crew members may also perform other
duties such as tree falling, firing operations, delivering people and
equipment, and managing helibases.
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