Plumas Helitack is an 16 person US Forest Service Helicopter Module. The program is hosted by the Plumas National Forest in the town of Quincy, California. The crew's primary mission is initial attack of wildland fires and responding to all risk incidents. Our primary response area is Northern California, although we are available and often mobilize nationwide.
Plumas Helitack begins training in mid-April and often works well into October. The 120 day Type 2 Medium Helicopter Contract runs from June 1st until the end of September and is often extended into October. The crew averages 75-100 responses a year including several off-forest and out of Region assignments. Overtime is difficult to estimate, but crew members often exceed 500+ hours in an average season.
Currently the permanent full time staff consists of 1 Superintendent, 2 Captains, 2 Squad-leaders, and a mix of up to 11 GS 3/4/5/WFAP crewmembers.
The crew travels extensively throughout Region 5 and the rest of the country. Recent assignments have included, Alaska, Nevada, Utah, and South Dakota, Idaho. There is an active single resource rotation designed to keep firefighters on assignment; this is dependent on national and regional needs. Crewmembers often fill vacant positions for fire assignments with the local Hotshot Crew. During large fire assignments the crew is often called on to provide overhead, fire suppression, logistical support, and aviation management for the incident. Due to the nature of the job, crew members often work independently or in small groups in remote areas for days at a time.
Ideally the crew is staffed daily with 9-16 firefighters. The flight crew consists of up to 8 firefighters, including at least 1 Helicopter Manager, 1 Incident Commander Type 4, a qualified Crew Boss, 3+ Type 1 firefighters, a saw team and an EMT. Most flight loads will contain additionally qualified personnel such as Division Supervisors and Taskforce Leaders. Equipment carried on board includes a Bambi bucket, fire gear, trauma gear, tools, saws, and fuel. The module is self-sufficient for the first 36 hours on any incident.
The remaining crew not assigned to the daily flight load often follows the helicopter in the crew vehicles. Additional equipment carried in the vehicles includes hand- and aerial-firing equipment, communication and logistical gear, portable pumps, cargo nets, helicopter longline, food boxes, additional trauma gear with oxygen, backboard and litter, extra hand tools, and saws. Support vehicle fleet consists of a crew carrier, a Helitender, a "six-pack" and potentially an additional "chase" vehicle.
The heliport facilities includes two helipads, a training building, main office, saw shop, 3 equipment sheds, a fully equipped workout area, an extensive fitness trail system and an (out of use) proficiency rappel tower.
The crew has its own barracks-style housing located 3 miles from downtown Quincy. Barracks availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The barracks are located on site at the Mt. Hough Ranger District and are within walking distance of the Heliport. The barracks have 4 doubles and 1 single room for a total of 9 beds. In addition there are two double bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, laundry facilities, and living room with TV. 
