Aerial ignition techniques have been in existence for many years and are successfully used for various types of prescribed burning applications.

Current aerial ignition techniques can be separated into two categories: Delayed Aerial Ignition Devices and the Helitorch (aerial drip torch).

Delayed Aerial Ignition Device

This aerial ignition system utilises ignition capsules that are injected with ethylene glycol. Capsules are ejected from the helicopter (or fixed wing aircraft) and after a delay, react thermally to ignite the capsule. Dispensing of capsules can occur at variable speeds and the ejection points are logged via a GPS system.This aerial ignition system operates with pin point accuracy and is ideal for understory burning (fuel load reduction under tree canopies).

Advantages of using this aerial ignition system:

• Reduces fuel loads
• Ability to burn more hectares in shorter time frames
• Reduces the intensity of wild fires, helps protect the community & reduces losses due to wild fires
• Releases locked up nutrients
• As part of an integrated fire management plan removing the understory can contribute to reducing the annual cost of fire management
• Allows for the burning of large areas within the limited weather window
• Reduces the cost of understory prescribed burning
• Allows for burning the understory without exposing fire fighters to working within the burn zone
• Rapid firing and burnout allows use of a much smaller prescription window

Helitorch Aerial Ignition

The Helitorch is an aerial drip torch. A dispensing system for gelled petroleum consisting of a storage container, delivery pump, fuel ignition system, fire extinguisher system and power and control system.

Aerial ignition via Helitorch is applied for slash burns, areas with discontinues fuels loads and other prescribed burning techniques associated with line burning applications.

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