Vital role: Scooper planes, helicopters draw water from Lake Billy Chinook to help fight the Cram Fire
Barney Lerten
CULVER, Ore. (KTVZ) — Large retardant planes get much of the focus of wildfire-fighting attention, but the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office pointed out Monday just how key the water-scooping planes and helicopters are in those efforts.
They shared a video of the operations at Lake Billy Chinook on Facebook, with this note:
“The air support we have for the Cram Fire.
When wildfires spark, air support answers fast.
In this video, you’ll spot a scooper plane pulling water from Lake Billy Chinook, and a helicopter with a bucket returning over the Jefferson County skies — likely headed to refuel, refill, or regroup.
These aircraft are vital during wildfire season, helping hit hot spots that ground crews can’t reach. It’s quick, high-stakes work that takes serious skill — and it saves lives, property, and resources every year.
Huge thanks to the aerial crews and ground teams out there getting it done”