Beth is based at the Bench Helibase near Madras in central Oregon, just down the road from the Warm Springs Reservation. The helibase is a temporary base where firefighting helicopters can land, refuel, load equipment and receive instructions.
She has supported work on the Bench Fire which has burned through grass, shrubs and forest country, the Castle Fire in south-west Oregan and the Round Butte Fire which was around eight kilometres west of the airbase in Madras.
As a helibase manager, Beth helps coordinate the helicopters and crews that support firefighters on the ground. This can include sending aircraft to drop water on fires, move crews into hard-to-reach areas and respond quickly to new fires before they grow.
Beth said the conditions have been challenging with the area experiencing near-record temperatures and with very low humidity most days.
“Low humidity means the air is extremely dry, which can make grass, shrubs and trees easier to burn,” Beth said.
“The helibase itself also has its challenges with dry, dusty conditions. We’re using water trucks to spray water on the dusty ground around the helibase to help keep dust down so helicopters can land, take off and operate more safely.
Along with the heat and dust, crews also have to deal with local dogs wandering through the helibase area.
"We spend a bit of time shooing them away, so they stay safe and don't get too close to the aircraft," Beth said.
Beth manages a range of aircraft from large Type 1 helicopters that can carry huge amounts of water to smaller, faster Type 3 helicopters used to quickly respond to new fires. A crane helicopter, also known as an air crane or sky crane, is built to lift heavy loads and can carry large amounts of water for firefighting.
One recent success came when Beth deployed a Type 3 helicopter and an air crane to a new fire start near Round Butte. Their quick response helped firefighters contain the blaze to just four acres.
"With the weather we're experiencing, that was a great save," Beth said.
Beth’s deployment is made possible by the support of her family, friends and colleagues back home. Their support helps Beth share her skills and experience with our international firefighting friends when they need it most.
Forty-three of our arduous firefighters are taking their specialist skills to the United States to support the response to ongoing wildfires across North America.
Page last updated: 14/08/26