Malheur Rappel Crew plan live fire training
By Logan Bagett on Monday, May 8th, 2023 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
JOHN DAY – (Press Release from the Malheur National Forest)
During the week of May 8th-12th, Malheur Rappel Crew will be conducting a training week for first year rappellers. This event will provide a variety of required trainings to prepare these firefighters for the upcoming fire season, including a live fire exercise on May 11th planned for a ½ acre on the Blue Mountain Ranger District. The location of the exercise will be near John Young Meadows off NF Road 2480; minimal smoke may be seen in the area.
The U.S. Forest Service National Helicopter Rappel Program’s primary mission is initial attack.
Rappel crews may be utilized for large fire support, all hazard incident operations, and resource
management activities.
A rappel operation consists of a rapid delivery of a minimum of two firefighters by helicopter, usually in wilderness areas, rugged backcountry conditions and roadless areas. Specialized equipment for rappel operations include a flight helmet, specialized rappel gloves, rappel harness, belly bag (containing line gear, hard hat and fire shelter), a descent device, and 250 feet of rappel rope.
Once on the ground, rappellers build firelines using hand tools, chainsaws, and other firefighting tools. Rappellers often prepare helispots (helicopter landing zones) that provide better access to a fire. After completing their assignment, crew members pack up to 120 pounds of equipment over difficult terrain to reach a pick-up point.
For further information on the Malheur National Forest, please visit us at
www.fs.usda.gov/malheur or call the Supervisor’s Office at 541-575-3000
