Original Message

They are not a waste in Alaska. Some fires are started by lightning and are 100 or more miles from the nearest helibase. Smoke jumpers can get to the fire, with resources, twice as fast as a helicopter. Not to mention they can jump on the fire and in some areas a helicopter may not find a landing spot clear of trees for a long distance. The distance preclude helicopters from having substaintial on station time or using water buckets.

Helicopters will eventially end up on most fires but are not alwys suitable for initial attack.