Allocation model for air tanker initial attack in firefighting

Abstract

Timely and appropriate use of air tankers in firefighting can bring high returns, but their misuse can be expensive when measured in operating and other costs. An allocation model has been developed for identifying superior strategies-for air tanker initial attack, and for choosing an optimum set of allocations among airbases. Data are presented for a representative initial attack allocation area and strategies are computed for alternative budget levels. Although designed for determining day-to-day operating rules, the model is flexible enough to be applied to policy questions concerning number and type of aircraft and location of airports.

Citation

Greulich, Francis E.; O''Regan, William G. 1975. Allocation model for air tanker initial attack in firefighting. Res. Note PSW-RN-301. Berkeley, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 8 p