Feds Say State Aircraft Do Not Meet Standards For Firefighting

Montana Governor Steve Bullock has sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack expressing frustration that firefighting helicopters contracted by the State of Montana are not allowed to assist with fires which break out on federal land.

Governor Bullock said in his letter that he had declared a state of emergency in Montana on August 16th because of the number of wildfires that were burning in the state, and the fire danger that continues to exist in most counties.

"Under this declaration of emergency, Montana is mobilizing two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter modules to work in tandem with Montana UH-1H (MT-205) helicopters," Bullock wrote in his letter. "We are also mobilizing two CH-47 Chinook helicopter modules, which will be available for flying on all fire jurisdictions in the state, including federal lands. It is my understanding that federal fire managers specifically requested mobilization of the CH-47 aircraft for use on federal fire protection, due to the shortage of similar aircraft through the national dispatch system.

"I have previously stated to you my concerns related to restrictions placed by the USDA Forest Service on the use of Montana UH-1H helicopters. Our pilots have flown these helicopters on hundreds of missions on wildland fires around the state this summer. The primary goal for DNRC’s UH-1H aircraft is initial attack and they are again demonstrating their effectiveness this fire season.

"However, wildland fires emerged on federal fire protection in full view of our aviation staff, who watched them grow as federal firefighters waited for other “approved” aircraft to be dispatched from distant locations. I am also aware of fires where state aircraft were above wildfires and instructed not to take suppression actions, due to the fact that the fires were on federal fire protection. This makes no sense, and puts the safety and property of Montanans at risk."

"I am doing my part to mobilize every available firefighting resource at my disposal, and make them available to all fire protection agencies," Governor Bullock told Secretary Vilsack. "I encourage you to do your part by directing leadership within your respective agencies to rescind this unnecessary and artificial restriction on Montana aircraft as soon as possible."

Montana Public Radio reports that the federal government placed the restrictions on what kinds of helicopters may be used for fighting fires on federal land following an accident involving a privately-owned helicopter in 2009 that had been under contract with the federal government to fight fires. The restrictions are for the specific type of helicopter, and not an issue with safety on the part of the state.

In a statement,  U.S. Forest Service’s Northern Region spokeswoman Elizabeth Sloan told MPR that "The Forest Service and the State of Montana have different standards and regulations to which each must adhere."

She said Montana’s helicopters do not meet the U.S. Forest Service’s standards.

FMI: www.fs.fed.us, http://mt.gov/