Wildland Fire Response Training
Helicopters and Ground Crews to Conduct Bucket Operations
(Rapid City, SD, July 8, 2026) -Local fire and emergency response agencies will conduct coordinated helicopter training exercises on Thursday, July 9. During the exercise, helicopters will perform bucket operations, repeatedly dipping water from the designated areas listed below:
- Sheridan Lake and transporting it to simulated drop zones near Dakota Point
- Glen Erin Pond, east of Custer, SD and transporting to simulated drop zones south of Glen Erin Road.
The public can expect increased helicopter activity throughout the day as crews practice critical wildfire response skills. Air crews will conduct live communication drills with ground personnel to strengthen coordination during wildfire suppression efforts.
"These exercises are essential for ensuring that both air and ground crews are fully prepared for real-world wildfire incidents," said Matt Esser, Black Hills Helitack Captain. "Practicing together in realistic conditions helps us improve efficiency, communication, and safety."
Residents and visitors near Sheridan Lake and Glen Erin Road may see or hear low-flying helicopters throughout the training period. All operations are carefully planned, supervised, and conducted with public safety as the top priority. No road or trail closures are expected, though the public is asked to maintain a safe distance from training areas.
If wildfire activity increases in the area, the training may be postponed or canceled to ensure resources are available for active incidents.
About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology - and rooted in communities - the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation's forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.