A new firefighting resource has joined the regional arsenal just in time for the current dry conditions. An Air Tractor 802 has been stationed at the Solon Springs airport and is prepared to drop 800 gallons of water or treated water into the forest when called upon.
"For the last ten years, the state has contracted single-engine air tankers to help fight forest fires. This is the first year we've based one in Solon Springs," said Phil Miller, northern region chief pilot for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Previously, the planes were stationed at Siren and Necedah.
The Air Tractor 802 is a modified spray plane that can be loaded in eight minutes or less. Typically, its load of water contains a fire retardant. In the past two years, a substance known as thermo gel has been is added so the water sticks where it falls.
The aircraft will remain in Solon Springs until May 22.
"We've always had significant possibilities for fire in the pine and sandy areas, but also is the grassy lands south of Superior. This aircraft is brought in to hit a fire that's just getting started and to help the ground firefighters keep the fire small -- hit it fast to keep it from becoming a large fire," Miller said.
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Due to the initial cost -- $1 million or more -- and brief amount of use each year, it's not economically sensible to own and staff firefighting aircraft. So the state obtains the resource via a short-term contract. The current agreement is with Aerial Timber Applicators of Cooperstown, N.D., and includes the aircraft, a pilot, support trailer and vehicle plus one person to operate water pumps. It's part of the Brule group, which can be dispatched to part of Iron County and all of Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland counties.
The airplane flies fire detection runs and assists ground crews with information when fires erupt. It also serves as air tactical group supervisor when necessary, controlling air drops.
"If there's a fire, we're there," Miller said.
When large fires erupt, Wisconsin receives assistance from Minnesota and also provides mutual aid support to Minnesota.
The aircraft has made a few drops in Burnett County and in central Wisconsin so far this year. The fire danger will continue until green-up.
