GelTech Solutions, Inc. announced Tuesday FireIce has been successfully deployed on more than 20 wildfires this season by firefighting airtankers contracted by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry.
Pennsylvania joins the growing list of state agencies that have implemented FireIce for its effectiveness and efficiency in combating wildfires.
FireIce High Visibility Orange is being deployed from the DCNR's primary fixed airtanker base located in Hazleton. The DCNR has purchased enough FireIce for up to 80 single engine airtanker loads, and an estimated 60 loads have been deployed already this season.
Used in conjunction with a fleet of four Air Tractor 802 and M-18 Dromader aircraft, FireIce has earned the praise of pilots and wildland firefighters on the ground for its superior effectiveness and ease of use.
"Our overall experience with FireIce has been very positive," said Chad Northcraft, Hazelton Tanker Base Manager and Eastern Operations Forester. "The pilots love the product because of the great coloring and the lighter loads. Additionally, ground personnel have commented on how much more effective it was in the Mountain Laurel and Scrub Oak fires compared to our normal fire retardant."
"We are pleased to be working with Pennsylvania DCNR this fire season, and we are thrilled that the performance of FireIce has helped the agency protect homes, property and valuable natural resources in Eastern Pennsylvania," stated Matt Struzziero, GelTech's Director of Sales and Strategic Operations. "The Bureau of Forestry personnel have been essential in the program's early success, and GelTech Solutions is looking forward to continuing to work with the state."
FireIce is non-toxic and its environmental impact is negligible compared to other fire chemicals used in wildland firefighting, particularly in sensitive ecosystems. FireIce is also non-corrosive and weighs significantly less than other commonly used chemicals, enhancing the safety of pilots and their aircraft.
As a result of its demonstrated superior performance, FireIce has quickly become the chemical of choice in many regions of the country for use by agencies utilizing single engine airtankers in their aviation strategy.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry is responsible for extinguishing forest wildfires on both public and private land.
Each year, personnel assist in the suppression of approximately 600 wildfires on 6,000 acres across the Commonwealth. Bureau personnel educate the public about wildfire risk and prevention, and train volunteers and local fire companies in wildfire suppression.
Pennsylvania is also a member of the Mid-Atlantic Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact, and provides mutual assistance and resource sharing to member agencies including: New Jersey; Maryland; Virginia; Ohio; Delaware; and West Virginia. The compact also works with Federal agencies when appropriate, including: US Forest Service; US National Park Service; and US Fish & Wildlife Service.
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