National Guard choppers part of wildfire training
Flames approach this home on Wading River Manor Road during the recent wildfires that burned more than 1000 acres between Ridge and Manorville. The home, belonging to Paul and Margaret Dill was very likely saved because firefighters were able to use water from the family's in-ground swimming pool. (April 9, 2012) Credit: Rich Doucet
The New York Army National Guard’s aviation air support unit will fly its UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters Thursday over the Wildwood Lake area in Riverhead and the David A. Sarnoff Pine Barrens Preserve in Southampton to conduct a wildfire-firefighting demonstration.
The training exercise is in conjunction with the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commissioner’s Wildfire Task Force, as well as the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Forest Rangers unit.
Long Island volunteer firefighters will also participate.
The Blackhawks will get water from the lake by lowering special water buckets, known as “Bambi Buckets,” which can hold 660 gallons, and then drop the water onto simulated wildfires near the Sarnoff Preserve.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The New York Army National Guard is based in Ronkonkoma.
Above: Flames approach this home on Wading River Manor Road during the recent wildfires that burned more than 1,000 acres between Ridge and Manorville (April 9, 2012)
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