'Operation Sky Hammer' funds surge capacity helicopters to fight Colorado wildfires

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DENVER (KDVR) — The U.S. Forest Service is funding a new firefighting team based out of the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, bringing two SkyCrane helicopters to the region.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the project is dubbed "Operation Sky Hammer" and has placed two new SkyCrane helicopters at the base of the Rocky Mountains, pre-positioned to be close to where the fire danger is highest and ready to immediately fight wildfires.

The helicopters were described as "surge capacity" for initial attack responses to wildfires.

“This innovative program is adding capacity to our wildland firefighting response in Colorado and throughout the Rocky Mountain Region,” said Troy Heithecker, Regional Forester for the Rocky Mountain Region, in the announcement of the new firefighting team. “Coupled with the modernized airtanker base in Colorado Springs and our other airtanker bases across our region, we will be able to respond more quickly and efficiently when wildfires start.”

The U.S. Forest Service said the two SkyCrane helicopters can be ordered by local, state or federal agencies to respond to wildfires. The helicopters have a mobile retardant base that lets the machinery be prepositioned in locations that wouldn't otherwise be able to support equipment.

Each of the helicopters deploys with 2,800 gallons of red fire retardant. After that initial load is released, the crafts have a specialized clean snorkel to draw water from a nearby water resource, or they can be reloaded with retardant.

A Mobile Retardant Base (MRB) sits ready for training at Jeffco Air Base in Broomfield, Colorado, during Operation Sky Hammer, July 3. MRBs provide flexibility in wildland firefighting efforts, capable of delivering 21,000 gallons per hour. They are able to travel and setup anywhere aircraft are needed within 24 hours. (USDA Forest Service photo by Travis Weger)
Sikorsky CH-54B SkyCrane helicopter sits ready for training at Jeffco Air Base in Broomfield, Colorado, during Operation Sky Hammer, July 3. Operation Sky Hammer is a trial initiative for 2025 that aims to increase initial attack effectiveness across the Rocky Mountain Region through the coordinated use of two Type 1 helitanker and a mobile retardant base. This effort focuses on prepositioning a powerful team of aviation resources in high-risk areas during periods of elevated fire activity. (USDA Forest Service photo by Travis Weger)
Sikorsky CH-54B SkyCrane helicopter sits ready for training at Jeffco Air Base in Broomfield, Colorado, during Operation Sky Hammer, July 3. Operation Sky Hammer is a trial initiative for 2025 that aims to increase initial attack effectiveness across the Rocky Mountain Region through the coordinated use of two Type 1 helitanker and a mobile retardant base. This effort focuses on prepositioning a powerful team of aviation resources in high-risk areas during periods of elevated fire activity. (USDA Forest Service photo by Travis Weger)

“The Forest Service’s focus is on conducting safe and aggressive initial attacks against wildfire,” said Clark Hammond, Regional Aviation Officer for the Rocky Mountain Region, in a U.S. Forest Service announcement. “Our goal is to work with local, state and federal cooperators to swiftly suppress small fires before they become large, complex incidents to ensure we can protect lives, property, economies and natural resources. A successful initial attack frees up our resources more quickly to be ready for the next wildfire start.”

The public can help by knowing when fire restrictions have been put in place, learning how to prevent wildfires while recreating on public lands and preparing their homes and communities to be wildfire-ready.

"The USDA Forest Service has the strongest and most prepared wildland firefighting force in the world," the Forest Service stated in a release. "In extremely active fire years, the agency can deploy more than 32,000 wildfire responders including agency employees; tribal, state, local and international partners; and contract and administratively determined emergency hires."

The U.S. Forest Service manages 70% of federal wildland firefighting resources and nearly all federal aviation and logistical support contracts. The agency said that in 2025, the Forest Service will have more than 400 total aircraft available nationwide.