Forest Service rappellers to train in Salmon

The U.S. Forest Service National Helicopter Rappel Program will drop in on the Salmon-Challis National Forest this spring for comprehensive training.

The program’s primary mission is the initial attack of fire situations. Crews may be utilized for large fire support, all-hazard incident operations, and resource management.

95 veteran rappellers will be in Salmon May 13 through May 18 for training at the Salmon Air Base and Haynes Creek. The wildland firefighters will bring 11 additional support staff and four helicopters with flight crews.

Additional Spotter Emersion training is planned during the week of May 20 to May 24. That will involve 8 personnel training to safely deploy rappellers and cargo into fire scenes.

Another 70 rookie rappellers, along with 34 additional support staff and five helicopters and support crews will train on the forest from June 3 through June 10. All rookie rappellers, from across the country, will come to the Salmon-Challis for intensive training.

According to the forest, “the purpose of the training is to provide annual quality training for rappellers and spotters in accordance with the National Rappel Operations Guide; to strengthen leadership, teamwork, and communications within the rappel community, and to produce quality aerial delivered firefighters for use in fire and aviation operations.”