Helicopter in creek

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33450, 4 February 1974, Page 2

Helicopter in creek

f.V Z. Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, February 3. A helicopter being used to tight a forest fire in the Tongariro State forest made a forced landing in a river near the lire on Saturday night. The helicopter, belonging to Alexander Helicopters, Ltd. was piloted by Mr Otto Gram, of Taumarunui. It was one of two assisting to fight the fire. The engine of Mr Gram’s; helicopter cut out about 100 ft above the Mangatepopo. Stream while carrying water to the fire. Mr Gram managed to set the machine down in one of I the few places where it would

not topple over, and where i the river was shallow. Little damage was done, and the helicopter was lifted out bv a larger machine this afternoon. Mr Gram was back in the air today, fighting the fire in another helicopter. The forest fire, which before the week-end was stillj burning out of control, was finally checked today. The Tongariro district ranger. Mr R. R. Packer, said today that 80 acres was burned on Saturday night, making the total acreage burned about 2600. He added that the fire fighters were at the mercy of the wind. If the winds held off they could subdue the fire but if the wind rose again the fire could well get out of ’ control again. I

Five bulldozers worked all day on Saturday and today, and will start at 4.30 tomorrow morning. The helicopters will start carrying water to the fire again about 5 a.m.