Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 10/02) - Big blazes in Alberta mean more business for Great Slave Helicopters Ltd.

The company dispatched nine of its 41 helicopters to help subdue forest fires in Alberta.

Operations Manager John Buckland said business is 20 per cent above normal for firefighting aircraft.

"This is one of the busiest fire seasons I've seen," he said. "We are, of course, benefiting from the Alberta situation."

According to Transport Canada regulations, pilots can't fly more than 150 hours in any 30-day-period.

But the Alberta government was fighting the massive fires around the clock and pilots were flying eight-hour shifts. So in peak periods, some Great Slave pilots maxed out their time. The company had to bring them back and send others.

"We were having a little trouble managing our staff," said Buckland. "Plus, we're busy up here with exploration. It made for some interesting days."

Chief pilot Mark McGowan spent eight days battling the forest fire near Fort McMurray. He said it charred about 225,000 hectares.

"It was the biggest fire I've ever worked on," he said.

Does firefighting ever become routine?

"The thrill is in the chase," he said. "When you get dispatched from here, you are pumped and you want to save the world. But when you get out there, it does get routine.

He said in certain company, firefighters can't get too excited about fire hazards.

"But in the back of your mind, you know it's good for business ... you want to make money when the sun shines."