‘Save lives’: Bend business supports firefighting through aviation tools
Isabella Warren
(Update: Adding video, comments from Kawak Aviation Technologies)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Nearly 900 personnel, 89 engines, 19 hand crews and four helicopters have fought the over 95,000-acre Cram Fire over the past week.
From Florida to Portland, crews and equipment came from across the country. But one local company also had a big impact.
Kawak Aviation Technologies, based in Bend, provides air-fighting equipment to help fight fires. Their Cascade Fire Bucket can be seen hanging from helicopters, hauling water to fight the Cram Fire.
According to the company, “The Cascade Bucket allows for fast, dip-fill capability without the need for special techniques, significantly reducing turnaround time.”
Company President Steve Sawyer told us Monday, “It’s inspiring to see that we can actually have a positive impact on the local population.”
Those helicopters can drop hundreds of gallons of water per trip to slow the spread of wildfires.
“Because we do have the fire issues here in Oregon, just like you do on the West Coast moving towards the Rockies, we actually have the opportunity oftentimes to see our products out there, actually helping save lives, local communities,” Sawyer said. “And it feels amazing to be part of something that’s giving back. “
Along with buckets, the company builds tank systems and refill pumps, all seen on helicopters, and built in Bend.
“We take a lot of pride in building something that will go out there and help these guys save the urban interface and work with communities and ensure that people have their homes to go back to in the evening,” Sawyer said.