The Southland Firestorm: A Special Report : The Firefighters : On The Fire Line : Flying Amid the Flames

To attack the fires successfully, Robert Dunber had to open his tanks 50 feet above the ground, a height that put him well within reach of the highest flames. Here is background on his aircraft and mission: Copter: Bell 412 *

Tank: 360 gallons of water/retardant, in a compartment in the belly of the copter. The belly’s doors open to release the load of water. *

Flight time: Each run takes about five minutes. They make six to 10 runs before refueling. *

The approach: Smoke affects how pilots line up for a drop. Pilots try to improve their visibility by approaching their water drop with the sun to their backs. *

The release: The pilot releases the load about 200 feet before the target by pressing a button on the flight stick. He is about 50 feet and flying at 50 m.p.h. Flames frequently rise above the 50 feet. All or part of a load can be released. *

Refueling: Robert Dunbar reloaded at Pepperdine University. Pilots carried only about half of their fuel capacity so they could carry more water/retardant. Bell 412 copters burn two gallons of fuel per minute. *

Turbulence: Winds and downdrafts buffet the copter. Gusts can turn a copter 90 degrees. Occasionally, the copter will simply free fall. *

Target: Each pilot responsible for a particular area. *

Major hazards 1. Trees 2. Power lines (primarily single phone or power lines obscured by trees) 3. Other aircraft *

Precautions: Special V-shaped device on front of the copter is designed to sever power lines the copter hits. *

Number of passes 153 on Tuesday 126 on Wednesday Sources: Robert Dunbar and Gary Bertz of the Los Angeles County Fire Dept.