Post by zkdex on Apr 4, 2024 20:19:46 GMT 12
Standard practise in the Hutt Valley in the 1960s and 70s was to protect houses and property, and leave the fires (generally gorse) to burn themselves out. Only once did I see fixed wing aircraft (Airtruk) fight a scrub fire above Naenae, no specific date I'm afraid, but possibly summer of 1969/70. Once Capital Helicopters Ltd started up, we began to see regular helicopter firefighting in the valley.
Some other dates of note:
Fixed-wing wildfire suppression:
26 Oct 1956 - Hutt Valley, Airlift (NZ) Ltd
16 Jan 1970 - Mt Maunganui, Ad Astra Aviation Ltd
6 Mar 1970 - Silverstream, Air Contracts Ltd
Rotary-wing wildfire suppression:
12 Dec 1970 - Kaimanawa Range, Taupo, first use of helicopter in North Island.
13 Feb 1971 - Greenstone Valley, Queenstown, first use of helicopter in South Island.
Some other dates of note:
Fixed-wing wildfire suppression:
26 Oct 1956 - Hutt Valley, Airlift (NZ) Ltd
16 Jan 1970 - Mt Maunganui, Ad Astra Aviation Ltd
6 Mar 1970 - Silverstream, Air Contracts Ltd
Rotary-wing wildfire suppression:
12 Dec 1970 - Kaimanawa Range, Taupo, first use of helicopter in North Island.
13 Feb 1971 - Greenstone Valley, Queenstown, first use of helicopter in South Island.
