Single Publication

The 15-person Lucky Peak Rappel Crew works with a Type 2 helicopter and is based at Lucky Peak Helibase and Fire Station, just outside of Boise. The Heli-rappellers are trained and equipped for initial attack, manage and support fire and aviation suppression efforts on a local and national level, and perform aviation related projects in support of forest resource needs. This crew is assigned to the Middle Fork Complex Fires which are burning near Garden Valley, Crouch, and Lowman, Idaho.  

Firefighters trained in Heli-rappel bring a specialized skillset to the firefighting effort. Heli-rappellers often fight fires in areas with very little access or in situations where it is difficult to have a landing zone to get firefighters in to fight a fire. These are specially trained firefighters rappel from helicopters in order to effectively and quickly respond to fires in remote terrain. Rappellers may land near a wildfire but if there is no landing zone close by, they can utilize their skills to rappel from the hovering helicopter. Once on the ground, crews fight the fires using hand tools, chainsaws, and other firefighting tools. 

After fighting a fire, these heli-rappellers must pack all of their ropes, rappel harnesses, flight helmets, and line gear to the closest road or pick up location so they can put their equipment back in service for the next assignment. 

To see heli-rappellers in action, click on the photo links below:

• Two heli-rappellers initiate their descent from the helicopter.
• The two crew members continue their way down.