Hillcrest helicopters perform the fire dance

Two helicopters from Hillcrest Aircraft Company, Inc., were an integral part of the fire fighting efforts Saturday on the Eagle's Nest Fire off Lower Fords Creek.

While ground crews from Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association, Orofino Rural Fire Department, Sunnyside Rural Fire Department, Twin Fire Department Rural Fire Department and Upper Fords Creek Rural Fire Department worked to cut fire lines and extinguish the blaze, overhead were the helicopters. Over and over, they dipped water from the Clearwater River and found the spots that most needed it before dumping their loads. Orofino pilot Ray Reel said he stopped counting at 50 rounds and estimates he made around 90 drops. Keith White flew the helicopter with longer lines to the water bucket. He is based in Craigmont. Notice the top left picture with both ships. Reel is lower and to the left, White higher and to the right.

Also overhead were Johnny Stewart in "Sky Eye" filling the spotter role and a SEAT (Single Engine Air Tanker) plane from Grangeville that dropped retardant.

For further information and photos of the fire see the Monday article and the Tuesday article.