A lot has changed since Paul Spring’s first wildfire season as a helicopter pilot in 1980, but many ground support roles remain unchanged.
Article content
The first wildfire that Paul Spring fought as a helicopter pilot was in 1980. The flames straddled the border of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and Saskatchewan, and had burned down an observation tower.
Advertisement 2
Article content
Fighting the wildfire at the time was difficult for pilots. The helicopters were “old and antiquated,” models from the 1960s and 1970s, said Spring. The buckets for dumping water were already obsolete and are no longer used by anyone these days. Space was cramped and sometimes he could only fit two other firefighters.
Than 25 years later, a wildfire was once again blazing in the same area again. Technology had advanced considerably. But this summer was another leap technologically for Spring.
His Fort McMurray-based helicopter company, Phoenix Heli-Flight, has been flying later because his fleet is one of the few in Alberta with night vision capabilities. This is the first year Alberta Wildfire has had access to helicopters equipped with night vision.
Advertisement 3
Article content
The technology has been used by Spring’s side venture, the Local Helicopter Emergency Response Organization (HERO), for years. It’s the only way Spring can offer 24/7 medevac services in much of the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region.
The cameras can’t see through smoke, but they’ve allowed pilots to continue bucketing and reconnaissance operations well after sunset. His company also has drones that can survey wildfire perimeters.
“Watching the equipment progress over the years has been a lot of fun. Even GPS has changed everything in so many industries,” said Spring in an interview.
“Before we had a map and actually hand drew the perimeter of the wildfire based on creeks and hills and types of trees you were seeing.”
Advertisement 4
Article content
The technology has made Spring’s job easier, but many of the roles involved in supporting ground crews remains unchanged. This year has been particularly busy for him. In one day, Spring and a ground crew he was transporting responded to 14 wildfires in the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region.
Something he’s learned during 44 years of fighting wildfires from the air is the difference between a raging inferno and small brush fire often hinges on the quick response of a ground crew and helicopter pilot.
“The pointy end of the spear is to have the helicopter teamed up with the crews and equipment placed throughout the forest in strategic areas, and be ready to react quickly to any smokes that do arise,” said Spring.
“Helicopters don’t put out fires, ground crews put out fires. We stop them from growing. The tech world is evolving a bit to give us more tools to work with, but you still need boots on the ground. You still need that person holding the chainsaw and running the pump to put the fire out.”
Advertisement 5
Article content
Some fires are quick to extinguish. A loan burning tree burning in swampland can be put out by chopping the tree down and stomping and soaking it, for instance. On other days, the weather is just too windy, hot and dry when a fire starts.
Than there are jobs after a wildfire. When Spring flew his helicopter over the charred remains of the south end of the Town of Jasper, the ash and debris of homes was a familiar site.
Spring was hired to investigate active gas and power lines for utility companies. He used thermal cameras to detect fires smouldering in the remains of homes in the town. The site reminded him of Fort McMurray just after the 2016 Horse River Wildfire.
“The south end of Jasper looks just like we did. It’s torched,” he said.
Advertisement 6
Article content
It’s never easy to see homes destroyed by wildfires and the season can be hard, but Spring wouldn’t exchange it for anything.
“I enjoy flying helicopters, period. Doesn’t matter if it’s oil and gas exploration or tree planting or news gathering or medevacs or fires. Anything to do with a helicopter, I like. That’s why people in our industry are in our industry,” said Spring.
“With fires, it’s an instant gratification. On days like that big day with 14 extinguishments in one afternoon with a crew? There are a lot of high fives.”
Take the Pledge: Want a chance to win a helicopter ride AND reduce wildfire risk? Pledge to reduce wildfires in the Fort McMurray Forest Area by Aug. 16 and you’ll be entered to win a helicopter tour of the region! Take the pledge today online.
Get the news and events of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo in your inbox every Friday morning by signing up for our newsletter.
vmcdermott@postmedia.com
Article content