A firefighting helicopter is staged at Yampa Valley Regional Airport, ready to go, if necessary. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control (DFPC) has contracted with HeliQwest International Inc. for a 120-day exclusive use contract effective today, June 14. The helicopter will be staged in Hayden for the summer and will be available for statewide fire response.

 

Press release from Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control and Routt County; June 14, 2023.

FIREFIGHTING HELICOPTER STAGED AT YAMPA VALLEY REGIONAL AIRPORT

Hayden, CO – Travelers in and out of Yampa Valley Regional Airport (YVRA) this summer may notice a new addition to the tarmac near the main terminal. The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention & Control (DFPC) has contracted with HeliQwest International Inc. for a 120-day exclusive use contract effective June 14, 2023. The helicopter will be staged in Hayden for the summer and will be available for statewide fire response.

“DFPC is excited to be able to support Northwest Colorado with this additional asset for another year,” said DFPC Wildland Fire Management Section Chief Vaughn Jones. “This resource is another tool in the toolbox for us to partner with counties and local fire departments on early detection of wildfires, along with an aggressive initial response to minimize the duration, costs, and impacts to life and property from unwanted wildfires.”

The helicopter is a Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk that has been equipped with a 1,000-gallon water tank system. The tank can be removed for bucket use. It can support firefighting efforts by targeting water drops on flames in areas that cannot be readily accessed by ground firefighting crews. Dual engines provide increased power when coming in or out of water drops. With the versatility to reach the low altitudes needed for effective water delivery and the ability to lift up to 9,000 pounds, the UH-60A is one of the best aerial firefighting helicopters available.

“Routt County is proud to provide a secure operating location for this Black Hawk aircraft,” said Routt County Commissioner Tim Redmond. “Having a Black Hawk and firefighting crew right here in Northwest Colorado allows us to have an immediate response if the need arises.”

YVRA and the Atlantic Aviation FBO are able to provide the rotating firefighting team (including pilots, fuel truck operators, and mechanics) with secure access to office space, a kitchen and other facilities, and parking for support equipment and passenger vehicles. FBO refueling will also be accessible onsite. The rotating team will also be able to take advantage of YVRA employee amenities while onsite during the 120-day contract.

Northwest Colorado was blessed with an above-average snowpack in the winter of 2022-2023, and spring rains have kept the valleys and hills a verdant green. However, officials will be keeping a close eye on conditions as temperatures rise. When tall grasses begin to dry out, or “cure,” an abundance of these fast-burning fuels could create intense fires that spread quickly. To learn more about how to protect your home or property from the threat of wildland fire, visit www.RouttWildfire.org or www.LiveWildfireReady.org.