Skycrane Helicopter Stationed in Central Louisiana
The U.S. Forest Service is positioning a Sikorsky Skycrane in Central Louisiana to support wildfire response this fall.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Emergency Response
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The U.S. Forest Service and Helicopter Transport Services have stationed a Sikorsky Skycrane helicopter in Central Louisiana ahead of the fall fire season. Crews are positioning the aircraft before a fire starts as conditions grow dry.
Why it matters
Louisiana experienced a historic drought and severe heat in 2023 that ignited wildfires across the state. Having the helicopter on standby cuts minutes from response times for Kisatchie National Forest and surrounding parishes.
The Sikorsky Skycrane uses a high-volume snorkel system to hover over Lake Buhlow and draw in thousands of gallons of water in seconds before flying it to the fire line. The source does not state how many gallons it carries per trip or how many fires it can address this season.
The players
U.S. Forest Service
The federal agency responsible for managing national forests and grasslands, including Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana, and coordinating wildfire suppression efforts.
Helicopter Transport Services
A helicopter operator that provides heavy-lift aircraft, including Sikorsky Skycranes, for wildfire suppression and other aerial operations.
The details
The Skycrane is being positioned in Central Louisiana to support wildfire response this fall as dry conditions prompt the Forest Service and its partners to order aircraft. Fire conditions led the Forest Service to send the helicopter to the state after a historic drought and severe heat ignited fires across Louisiana in 2023.
Timeline
2023: Historic drought and severe heat ignited wildfires across Louisiana.
This fall: The Skycrane is stationed in Central Louisiana for wildfire response.
Seasonal Patterns
The Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane, a heavy-lift helicopter built to hover and draw water through a snorkel, is being pre-positioned in Central Louisiana as fall dryness raises fire risk. The deployment follows the 2023 drought-driven wildfires that burned across the state.
Residents in Central Louisiana and surrounding parishes near Kisatchie National Forest should monitor local burn restrictions and fire conditions as the fall season dries out. Faster aerial response means fire crews can reach new starts sooner, but residents should still report smoke or flames immediately.
The takeaway
Pre-positioning heavy-lift aircraft before a fire starts shortens the gap between ignition and suppression. For Louisiana residents, dry fall conditions are the signal to watch burn bans and fire alerts closely.
Further reading
For more on how crews prepare for fire season, see Emergency Response coverage across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kalb.
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