Forest Rangers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and members of the New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation unit will be conducting a training exercise at the Geneseo Airport today. The NYSP Aviation unit, which has a fleet of 13 helicopters, provides aerial fire suppression efforts when DEC’s Forest Rangers battle wildfires across the state.

Bucket water drops from the air help firefighters battle fires in remote locations without the need to return to a permanent operating base.  The buckets allow the helicopter to hover over a water source – such as a lake, river, or pond – pick up a load and deliver approximately 240 gallons of water per drop.

Who: DEC Forest Rangers and NYSP Aviation unit members

What: Bucket Training 

When: Today, June 22, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where: Geneseo Airport, Big Tree Lane, Geneseo, N.Y.  14454

DEC Contact: Benning DeLaMater (518) 402-8000.