Tactical Aircraft
The DOF operates and maintains two Twin Aero Commander Aircraft for use as Aerial Supervision Platforms. Tactical aircraft can function as an airtanker Lead Plane, Air Attack or in a dual function that incorporates both Lead Plane and the Air Attack roles (ASM or Bird Dog)
- Air Attack - cannot fly low level or lead air tankers.
- Bird Dog - can fly low level and only lead State of Alaska air tankers.
- Aerial Supervision Module (ASM) - can fly low level and lead state, federal and contracted air tankers.
840AK
905AK
Logistics Aircraft
The transport of personnel and equipment in an expeditious manor is essential to successful initial attack and extended attack fire suppression. DOF utilizes multiple aircraft to perform logistical missions during the fire season.
DHC-2 Beaver N904AK
The DOF has made multiple upgrades to this FEPP aircraft. It has been outfitted with a large door so that fuel drums can be easily loaded and unloaded in remote areas. The aircraft is
also equipped to conduct aerial firing for prescribed burns. Aerial firing is traditionally conducted out of a helicopter, which is far more expensive than the flight hour cost of
the Beaver. The aircraft can also be used for detection and monitoring of wildfires. N904AK is off airport capable, and its only downside is that its slow and can only be flown in VFR conditions.
DHC-2 Beaver N904AKCessna 208B Grand Caravan
DOF added a used Cessna 208B Grand Caravan to its fleet in October of 2021 to replace an Aero Commander 500S Shrike that was damaged in an accident in May 2020. With its powerful
turboprop engine, the Caravan delivers a rare combination of high performance, low operating costs and the ability to adapt to a wide variety of missions. The plane can carry nine
people, has a payload of 3,060 pounds and has a five-hour fuel capacity. In addition to logistical missions and firefighter transport, the aircraft can also be used for detection flights
and air attack, if needed.
Cessna 208B Grand Caravan
Air Tankers
DOF contracts for the use of two Type 2 air tankers from Conair Aerial Firefighting in Abbotsford, British Columbia to deliver fire retardant, water enhancer and water to help combat wildland fires. Because of its remoteness, Alaska relies heavily on retardant tankers to slow the spread of wildfires until firefighters can arrive on scene to begin suppression on the ground. The 90-day contracts begin in early May and expire in early August but can be extended for use in Alaska or the Lower 48.
DHC-8 400
The DOF has contracted a DHC-8 400 air tanker based at the DOF air tanker base in Palmer. The DHC-8 400 has a 2,650-gallon retardant capability and
is faster/more efficient than the smaller CV-580. Operable from most 5,000' runways in remote or urban locations, the Q-400 is a perfect fit for Alaska.
The aircraft has a high climb rate and excellent slow speed flight characteristics with consistent speed drops in steep, rugged terrain. Its cruising speed
fully loaded is 360 knots and it has a drop speed of 125 knots. The aircraft was used in Alaska on a trial basis in 2021 and received high praise from fire managers.
The DHC-8 400 comes on contract in Palmer on May 3.
DHC-8 400Convair 580
The DOF has contracted a Convair CV580 air tanker based in Fairbanks at DOF's air tanker base at Fairbanks International Airport. The CV580 is a
turboprop version of the highly successful Convair 340/440 series of passenger and freighter aircraft. The aircraft has a 2,000-gallon retardant
capability and possesses characteristics very suitable to the large expanse of Alaska. The CV580 offers turbine reliability, improved fuel availability,
and improved aircraft performance. Its cruising speed fully loaded is 270 knots and it has a drop speed of 120 knots. The Convair CV580 comes on contract in Fairbanks on May 12.
Convair 580
Helicopters
DOF contracts for six exclusive-use helicopters from three different private companies to use during the fire season. The contracts are awarded every five years and are for 90 days but can be extended depending on fire activity. All helicopters are initially assigned to a specific Area office but are available for resource sharing anywhere in the state by the state fire operations forester based on fire activity and need.
Helicopters are ultimately statewide resources used primarily for Helitack (initial attack) operations, water drops, reconnaissance flights, personnel transport or gear shuttle. In 2021, DOF's six exclusive-use helicopters flew a total of 516.8 hours and delivered a total of 414,800 gallons of water.
BK 117
Bell 212
DOF also utilizes call-when-needed helicopters from multiple companies in Alaska and Lower 48, depending on fire activity. In 2021, DOF utilized 13 CWN helicopters that flew a total of 233.6 hours.
The following describes the type and location of helicopters utilized by the DOF:
KENAI-KODIAK AREA (SOLDOTNA)
The BK117 from Soloy Helicopters is a Type 3 helicopter that can hold up to 9 passengers and has a bucket capacity of
200 gallons. In 2021, the Kenai-Kodiak Area helicopter flew a total of 49.1 hours. Contract start date in 2022 is April 28.
SOUTHWEST AREA (MCGRATH)
The B212 HP from Pathfinder Aviation is a Type 2 helicopter that can hold up to 9 passengers and has a 420-gallon bucket. In 2021,
the McGrath Area helicopter flew a total of 117.2 hours. Contact start date in 2022 is May 10.
MAT-SU AREA (PALMER)
The BK117 from Soloy Helicopters is a Type 3 helicopter that can hold up to 9 passengers and has a bucket capacity of 200 gallons. In 2021,
the Mat-Su Area helicopter flew a total of 29.7 hours. Contract start date in 2022 is April 26.
FAIRBANKS AREA
The Bell 212 from Temsco Helicopters is in the first year of a new five-year contract for a Type 2 helicopter in Fairbanks. Fairbanks has been assigned a Type 2 helicopter since 1982. The Bell 212 is equipped with a 420-gallon bucket and can carry up to 9 passengers. In 2021,
the Fairbanks Area helicopter flew a total of 158 hours. Contract start date in 2022 is April 27.
DELTA AREA
The Bell 212 From Temsco Helicopters is a Type 2 helicopter that can hold up to 9 passengers and has a bucket capacity of 420 gallons. Delta has been assigned a Type 2 helicopter since 1983. In 2021,
the Delta Area helicopter flew a total of 40.9 hours. Contract start date in 2022 is May 3.
TOK AREA
The 2022 fire season is the 5th year of a five-year contract for a Type 2 helicopter in Tok. The Bell 212 can carry up to 9 passengers and and is equipped with a 420-gallon bucket. In 2021,
the Tok Area helicopter flew a total of 121.9 hours. Contract start date in 2022 is May 10.
Retardant Bases
DOF operates two air retardant bases and three reload bases in Alaska. The two main air retardant bases are located at the Palmer Airport next to the Mat-Su Area office and at Fairbanks International Airport not far from the Fairbanks Area Forestry office. The three reload bases are located at the Kenai Airport, the McGrath Airport and the Tanacross airfield near Tok. The former retardant base located at Ladd Field on Fort Wainwright is now used primarily as a storage facility. Here are the retardant capacities at each of DOF's retardant and reload bases:
- Fort Wainwright - 36,000 gallons
- Palmer - 30,000 gallons
- Kenai - 26,000 gallons
- McGrath - 26,000 gallons
- Tanacross - 24,000 gallons
- Fairbanks International Airport - 18,000 gallons
Palmer Air Tanker Base