Cal Fire Helicopter 404 on the Robbers Fire Iowa Hill

Bell helicopter from Cal Fire, from the Columbia Air Attack Base. Bell EH-1X, taking off from the Auburn Airport to help with the other 3 Cal Fire helicopters assigned to the Robber Fire Complex. S-2 Trackers have been hitting the fire that started around 3:30PM and had grown to over 200 acres by 6:30PM. These helicopters have 2 each 15 gallon retardant tanks installed, one on each side, that dispense a measured amount of Dawn Dishwashing Detergent into the load of water picked up by the Bambi Bucket slung about 30 feet under it. The retardant mixes with the water in the bucket when it is released to form a foam mixture on the way down to the fire below. According to the FAA Aircraft Database there are only 3 helicopters designated the EH-1X, they are a derivative of the Huey UH-1 helicopter. Shooting this video was a trip as you will see near the point of lift off. I was sitting down firmly braced with my back up against a blast fence to keep me from rolling across the ground when they lifted off. (Not my first up close helicopter take off!) Note the dibri flying around near the end, do not get close to these when taking off or landing.

[@leerilea1709]

I never tire of listening to a Huey start up and take off.

[@DevKumar-pq8sz]

Helicopter of the good ole days. Great sounds

[@mnmufid]

Many people don't know ... It is 'actually' a jet engine converted to a big rotating propeller.

[@mnmufid]

It is called, turboprop engine ...

[@davida.p.9911]

It's a whirly bird! 🚁

[@SavageHmr]

Who flying this bird?

[@railfan110]

I did not know 404 got dispatched to that fire.

[@Morgantek-ds3fk]

Uh 1 the best one helicopter

[@philgmble7279]

i flew in the old f model before this new ex ..with george johnson as the pilot any remember those days

[@motokid032]

Isn't that a 205A1?? Enlighten me on the "EH-1X"

[@richregan8911]

Yes! I was on the crew in 1984...the "green thunder" days. George was an awesome pilot.

[@georgelittle166]

1988. Was George tall buzzed hair cut. There was a relief pilot named Tom. And Captains Rick and Gene. The helicopter had a green camouflage color. UH1F