Bambi bucket

Bambi Bucket is a specialized bucket suspended on a cable carried by a helicopter to deliver water for aerial firefighting. Each bucket has a release valve on the bottom which is controlled by the helicopter crew. When the helicopter is in position, the crew releases the water to extinguish or suppress the wildfire below.

History

The Bambi Bucket was developed by Don Arney, a Canadian inventor, and first introduced to the market by SEI Industries Ltd. in 1982. The bucket was named after Arney's daughter, Bambi. Since its introduction, the Bambi Bucket has become a standard piece of equipment for aerial firefighting worldwide.

Design and Operation

The Bambi Bucket is made of a lightweight, strong material and is collapsible for easy transport. It is designed to dip into water sources such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. The bucket is filled by submerging it into the water source while the helicopter hovers above. Once filled, the bucket is flown to the fire location and the water is released by opening the release valve.

The Bambi Bucket comes in various sizes, with capacities ranging from 72 to 2,600 gallons. The size of the bucket used depends on the lifting capacity of the helicopter and the nature of the fire.

Advantages

The Bambi Bucket has several advantages over other methods of aerial firefighting. It is lightweight, easy to use, and can be filled from a variety of water sources. The bucket's design allows for accurate water drops, which can be crucial in controlling wildfires. Additionally, the Bambi Bucket can be used with foam or gel, further enhancing its firefighting capabilities.

See Also

• Aerial firefighting
• Wildfire suppression
• Helicopter bucket