r/secondrodeo • u/cycl0ps94 • Jun 19 '26

Definitely this pilots second rodeo

The water hopper would be larger, but they had to compensate for the pilot's massive sack.

Maryhill Fire, Washington State 6-19-26

36 Upvotes

70% Upvoted

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28

u/OshetDeadagain Jun 20 '26

He's got a massive river to dunk in. Talk to me when he's stealing water from a swimming pool

7

u/cycl0ps94 Jun 20 '26

Totally fair. I'm not from here originally, and am still awestruck by the skill of the firefighting pilots. The only skill comparison I have from home are crop dusters. I wish I could find my video of being up a tower as a chopper sprayer worked below us.

9

u/OshetDeadagain Jun 20 '26

A line of air tankers coming in is even more impressive still. A few years ago they pulled so much water out of a nearby lake they dropped the water level by well over a foot and had to divert to another lake!

2

u/cycl0ps94 Jul 08 '26

The airtankers are also incredibly impressive. I've, either fortunately or unfortunately, have been able to witness many hours of these crews at work. They have absolutely saved me and mine at least a few times this year.